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Excessive Force Indictment Lands Former Tribe Cop
A former Oglala Sioux Tribe police officer has been indicted for using excessive force on a man in her custody. Rebecca M. Sotherland, 32, is accused of violating the constitutional rights of a man she was holding by repeatedly deploying a Taser on him without justification.
According to the indictment, Sotherland’s alleged offense took place on August 15, 2014, in Manderson, South Dakota. The charges are punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced the indictment, which alleges that Sotherland, while acting under color of law, repeatedly deployed a Taser on the victim, causing bodily injury. The maximum penalty for the charges includes 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The investigation into the case is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Collins and Kevin Koliner are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Jared Fishman with the Civil Rights Division.
Sotherland is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, she could face up to a decade behind bars and a significant fine.
The case highlights the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions, particularly when it comes to excessive force. The Oglala Sioux Tribe has faced criticism in the past over its handling of law enforcement matters.
The indictment is a significant development in the case, and it remains to be seen how it will play out in court. Sotherland’s next move is likely to be a subject of much speculation in the coming days and weeks.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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