ST. LOUIS – Ellis C. Brown, III, 32, of High Ridge, Missouri, is trading his badge for bars after receiving a six-year federal prison sentence today. The former St. Ann Police Officer was convicted in June following a three-day jury trial of depriving a victim of their civil rights while acting under color of law. The sentence, handed down by United States District Court Judge Audrey G. Fleissig, sends a clear message: abuse of power won’t be tolerated.
The evidence presented at trial painted a grim picture of unchecked aggression. Brown repeatedly kicked a prone victim in the parking lot of a US Bank located at Natural Bridge and Kingshighway in St. Louis. The April 2019 assault wasn’t a momentary lapse in judgment; it was a sustained attack captured on video, leaving no room for doubt about the brutality of Brown’s actions.
What preceded the beating was a reckless, twenty-minute high-speed chase. Brown and fellow St. Ann Police Department officers pursued the victim through rush hour traffic, allegedly reaching speeds exceeding 115 mph. The chase itself was a danger to the public, but it culminated in a vicious assault that demanded federal intervention. Sources within the department whisper of a pattern of aggressive behavior, though this is the first instance to result in a federal conviction.
Thankfully, the nightmare ended when two St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officers intervened, stopping Brown from continuing the assault. Their quick action likely prevented further injury to the victim and ensured the evidence of Brown’s brutality was preserved. The victim’s condition following the incident was severe, requiring hospitalization and leaving lasting physical and emotional scars.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation spearheaded the investigation, meticulously gathering evidence that ultimately led to Brown’s conviction and sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Derek Wiseman skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring justice was served. This case highlights the crucial role federal agencies play in holding law enforcement accountable for misconduct.
Brown’s six-year sentence is a stark reminder that even those sworn to protect and serve are not above the law. While this conviction offers some measure of closure for the victim and the community, it also underscores the ongoing need for police reform and increased oversight to prevent future abuses of power. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
RELATED: Ex-Cop Ellis C. Brown III Gets 6 Years for Brutal Kick Assault
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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