Dustin A. Fleming, Violating Inmate’s Federal Civil Rights, Illinois 2016

Fleming’s Brutal Assault on Handcuffed Inmate Rocks Illinois Prisons

A disturbing case of police brutality has shaken the Illinois prison system, as correctional officer Dustin A. Fleming, 30, of DuQuoin, Illinois, pleaded guilty to violating an inmate’s federal civil rights at the Pinckneyville Correctional Center.

According to the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, Fleming assaulted and caused bodily injury to a handcuffed inmate on October 15, 2016. The assault involved choking, punching, kneeing, and kicking the inmate without any legal justification, in direct violation of the United States Constitution.

The investigation, led by the Illinois State Police, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Illinois Department of Corrections, resulted in the charges and guilty plea. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin is prosecuting the case.

Fleming, who has been on administrative leave from the Illinois Department of Corrections since the assault, faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow any term of incarceration imposed. Sentencing is set for October 18, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., at the United States District Courthouse in Benton.

This case is a stark reminder of the need for accountability within our prison system. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Fleming’s plea deal is a significant blow to the Illinois Department of Corrections, highlighting the importance of ensuring that those entrusted with the care and safety of inmates are held to the highest standards of conduct.

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