Blake Hicks, Civil Rights Violation, Alabama 2023
A former Elmore County Sheriff's Deputy has been charged with a federal civil rights offense for allegedly using excessive force against an arrestee.
According to court documents, 33-year-old Blake Hicks punched and kicked the handcuffed arrestee in or around the head, resulting in bodily injury, without legal justification.
The indictment, which was unsealed following Hicks' initial appearance in federal court on November 3, 2023, alleges a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Hicks is scheduled to appear in federal court for further proceedings.
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division's Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama, and Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office made the announcement.
It's worth noting that an indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division's Criminal Section.
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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