GRIM NEWS: Ex-Stevenson Police Chief Daniel Winters Sentenced to Over Two Years for Beating Arrestee
BIRMINGHAM, ALA. – In a stunning turn of events, former Stevenson Police Chief DANIEL WINTERS, 56, has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for assaulting an arrestee and for failing to protect the victim as his friend continued the beating. The sentence, announced by U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, sends a strong message against police brutality.
Winters was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $12,970 in restitution on two counts of violating an individual’s civil rights. He was convicted by a federal jury in July 2016. Winters is required to report to prison on March 7.
The evidence at trial revealed that on March 22, 2015, Winters and a civilian accompanied by Winters’ friend went to a residence to investigate stolen property from the friend’s business. Upon arrival, they entered the home without a warrant and confronted the victim, identified as D.F. They proceeded to beat D.F., with the beating continuing outside the residence for about five minutes. A witness called 911, leading to the arrest of Winters and his civilian friend.
At the Stevenson Police Department jail, where D.F. was taken, he began vomiting blood. Despite a jailor’s request for Winters’ permission to call an ambulance, Winters refused until another supervisor approved it. D.F. was eventually transported to a hospital.
“Our society entrusts law enforcement leaders with the responsibility of protecting people from harm,” Gupta stated. “When officials abuse their power, they undermine the integrity of the profession.” Vance echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Winters’ actions were an abuse of authority and violated the Constitution.
The FBI and Alabama’s State Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, while Deputy Chief Laura Hodge and Trial Attorney Samantha Trepel from the DOJ Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News