A former Stone County Arkansas Deputy and two ex-inmates at the Stone County Jail have been accused of violating the rights of an inmate, leading to a brutal assault. Randel Branscum, 54, the former jail administrator, conspired with Matthew McConniel, 42, and James Beckham, 34, to have two inmates physically assaulted on September 19, 2011.
According to the indictment, Branscum ordered the transfer of two inmates into McConniel and Beckham’s cell, where they were brutally assaulted, causing bodily injury to one of the inmates.
The indictment alleges a conspiracy to violate the rights of inmates at the jail, as well as deprivation of rights under color of law. If convicted of both counts, each defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Henry Leventis and Samantha Trepel of the Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants in this case are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The incident highlights the need for accountability in law enforcement and the importance of protecting the rights of inmates.
The indictment was unsealed on November 6, 2014, and the case serves as a reminder that those in positions of power will be held accountable for their actions.
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