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Former Corrections Captain Charged in Brutal Prison Beating
A former Louisiana State Corrections official has pleaded guilty to civil rights violations in connection with the beating of an inmate at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana. Mark Sharp, 33, of Amite, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of making a false statement to the FBI.
According to the factual basis filed in court, on Jan. 24, 2010, Sharp joined in a search to apprehend an inmate who had escaped from his assigned location. After the inmate was captured, Sharp and two other officers – Kevin Groom and C.B. – were ordered to escort the inmate, who was handcuffed behind his back, to the prison’s medical unit.
During the drive to the medical unit, Sharp repeatedly struck the inmate with a police baton. He also saw C.B. kick the inmate in his head and shoulder area. Sharp then lied to the FBI during the federal civil rights investigation of the beating.
Two other former state corrections officials, Kevin Groom and Jason Giroir, have been charged and convicted in connection with the attack on the inmate. Groom and Giroir await sentencing and have both been charged with falsifying records in a federal investigation and making false statements to the FBI.
Sharp faces a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine up to $500,000 and up to three years of supervised release following his prison term. The matter is being handled by the Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney AeJean (Angie) Cha of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Piedrahita for the Middle District of Louisiana. The incident occurred nearly 14 years ago, but the guilty plea brings some closure to the victims and their families.
Sharp’s guilty plea serves as a reminder that those in positions of authority will be held accountable for their actions. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on any developments.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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