Related Federal Cases
Former Henry County Jail Corrections Officer Sentenced to 2 Years Probation for Excessive Force
A former corrections officer at the Henry County Jail in Indiana has been sentenced to 2 years probation after pleading guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law.
Curtis Doughty, 28, of Muncie, was employed as a corrections officer in the Henry County Jail, as well as a member of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT). On February 13, 2024, Doughty participated in a scheduled search of an inmate housing pod in the jail.
According to court documents, Doughty shot his pepper ball gun at point blank range into the spine of inmate M.F. without warning after the inmate turned his head away from the wall. The incident occurred during a search of the cells for contraband.
The FBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress said, “Corrections officers are empowered by the government to care for inmates. When a corrections officer takes the law into their own hands and uses excessive force to punish inmates, they endanger not only that inmate, but they create a greater incentive to resist rather than cooperate, and thereby endanger their colleagues as well.”
Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans added, “Everyone, regardless of their status or circumstance, is entitled to dignity and no one should fear for their safety at the hands of those tasked with their care.”
The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter A. Blackett and Carolyn A. Haney for their work on the case.
Doughty had received training on defensive tactics, physical tactics, SERT training, jail physical and defensive tactics, and new jail officer training prior to the incident. However, the use of force was deemed excessive and unnecessary.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in law enforcement and the need for corrections officers to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of inmates in their care.
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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