Isaac White, Excessive Force, Tennessee 2008

WASHINGTON – In a shocking turn of events, former Memphis Police Officer Isaac White, 29, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Memphis, Tenn., to using excessive force and causing bodily injury against a handcuffed arrestee.

According to court documents, White struck the victim twice in the head on November 1, 2008, violating their right to be free from excessive force. The victim suffered substantial pain and bruising as a result of White’s actions.

White’s admission to the crime comes as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the public’s trust in law enforcement. ‘It is simply unacceptable for a police officer to beat up a handcuffed arrestee,’ said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. ‘A badge is a sacred trust, not a license to bully.’

The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the public from violations of constitutional rights by law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and the public’s trust. ‘The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the public from violations of constitutional rights by law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and the public’s trust,’ said Lawrence J. Laurenzi, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

When a law enforcement officer violates the civil rights of another, they bring shame on the badge and all law enforcement officers. The FBI makes it a priority to bring a law enforcement officer who violates the constitution and the trust of the people to justice. ‘Police officers must not betray the trust of our citizens. We take an oath to protect, serve and uphold the laws of the state of Tennessee. When we violate that oath we will be held accountable,’ said Memphis Police Director Larry A. Godwin.

White faces up to 10 years in prison for the civil rights violation. The Civil Rights Division is committed to the vigorous enforcement of every federal criminal civil rights statute, including those laws that prohibit the willful use of excessive force or other acts of misconduct by law enforcement officials.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Memphis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Parker from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Memphis and Trial Attorney Jonathan Skrmetti from the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

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