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Bureau Prisons Officers Charged in Prison Assault
OCALA, FL – A federal grand jury has indicted two U.S. Bureau of Prisons corrections officers for their alleged roles in assaulting a prison inmate and obstructing justice.
The indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley III and Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division, charges U.S. Bureau of Prisons Correction Officers (COs) William Houghton and Eddie Rodas-Castro with violating the civil rights of an inmate inside the Coleman Correctional Facility in Coleman, Florida, on March 22, 2014.
The indictment alleges that CO Houghton repeatedly struck the inmate in the head and face, causing him injury. CO Houghton and CO Rodas-Castro are also charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly falsifying BOP reports and making false statements to federal investigators regarding the assault.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Roy Conn of the Civil Right Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Bodnar of the Middle District of Florida.
According to the indictment, the assault occurred on March 22, 2014, inside the Coleman Correctional Facility in Coleman, Florida. The indictment alleges that CO Houghton used excessive force against the inmate, causing him injury.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The charges carry significant penalties, including the possibility of lengthy prison sentences and fines.
The indictment highlights the need for accountability in our nation’s prisons and the importance of protecting the rights of inmates. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI are committed to investigating and prosecuting cases of prison abuse and corruption.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the law and ensuring that those who break it are held accountable. The indictment sends a clear message that prison abuse and corruption will not be tolerated.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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