Demeria Thomas, Civil Rights Violation, Missouri 2021

Demeria Thomas, 38, Pleads Guilty to Violating Inmate’s Civil Rights

A former corrections officer at the St. Louis City Justice Center has pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of an inmate. Demeria Thomas, 38, admitted to knowingly allowing two inmates to assault another inmate while in his cell.

According to court documents, on March 22, 2021, Thomas was operating a control panel that locked and unlocked cells in her area of responsibility. She unlocked a specific cell door, allowing the two inmates to enter and physically assault another inmate.

Thomas directed other inmates to stay away, prohibiting them from coming to the aid of the victim. She walked to the open door of the cell as the suspects continued the assault and calmly instructed them to leave. After they had left, Thomas closed the door to the cell without rendering aid to the bleeding and incapacitated victim.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Thomas failed to disclose the assault and filed no report of the incident.

Demeria Thomas, exact criminal charges: Deprivation of rights under color of law, City and state: St. Louis, Missouri, Exact date: March 22, 2021. Thomas pleaded guilty on today’s date, with sentencing set for May 10, 2022.

As a corrections officer, Thomas acted under color of law and was responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates. Her actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the rights and dignity of the victim.

Demeria Thomas, a 38-year-old corrections officer, faces sentencing on May 10, 2022, for her role in the assault. Her plea deal marks a significant development in the case, which highlights the need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies.

The St. Louis City Justice Center has faced criticism in the past for its handling of inmate safety and well-being. Thomas’s guilty plea serves as a reminder of the importance of holding corrections officers accountable for their actions.

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