Brett Russell, Excessive Use of Force, Alabama 2011

Huntsville, Alabama, police officer Brett Russell, 48, has been charged with a crime that will leave the community shaken. According to an indictment, Russell allegedly assaulted and injured a detainee, identified by the initials G.H., on December 23, 2011.

The indictment alleges that Russell falsely stated in his incident report that G.H. kicked at officers, attempted to head-butt officers while they transported him to Russell's vehicle, and that he was transported to the Huntsville metro jail 'without incident.' However, Russell omitted from his report that he 'had struck G.H. with his fist and kneed G.H. in the body,' as the indictment says.

Russell faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the civil rights charge and 20 years for the obstruction charge. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation by the Florence Resident Agency of the FBI is ongoing. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Carroll McCabe of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Xavier O. Carter Sr. of the Northern District of Alabama.

Russell's actions have sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for greater accountability among law enforcement officials.

As the investigation continues, Grimy Times will provide updates on this developing story.

We urge our readers to stay informed and to demand justice for those affected by Russell's alleged actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/huntsville-alabama-police-officer-charges-excessive-use-force-and-obstruction-justice