Cody Richardson, Civil Rights Violation, Louisiana 2024

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Cody Richardson, a 31-year-old former correctional officer with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO), has been sentenced in federal court for violating the civil rights of three inmates in his custody.

The former deputy was sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell to 70 months (5 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release. Richardson previously pleaded guilty on May 28, 2020 to three felony counts of using excessive force against pretrial detainees housed at the RPSO facility.

According to court documents and statements made during the hearing, Richardson tased three different detainees who were restrained and/or not resisting in 2018. The assaults occurred on January 28, February 24, and March 19, 2018.

On January 28, 2018, Richardson tased detainee K.F. while K.F. had his hands up, causing him to fall to the ground. He then continued to tase K.F. three more times despite the fact that he was not resisting.

On February 24, 2018, Richardson drive-stunned detainee S.M. 15-20 times while S.M. was shackled to a bench by his ankles. He then continued tasing him and kicked him once in the abdomen after other officers secured S.M.’s wrists in handcuffs.

Finally, on March 19, 2018, Richardson deployed a Taser into detainee J.A.’s back, causing him to fall to the ground. He then sat on top of a table in the cellblock and continued to activate the Taser four more times while J.A. thrashed on the floor, screaming in pain.

“Citizens who are detained by law enforcement officers have a right to be treated with fairness and respect,” said Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “Those in law enforcement who choose to violate the civil rights of those in their custody and control must suffer the consequences of their actions.”

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Katherine DeVar of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.

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