A former Sergeant with the Grady County Jail in Chickasha, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to using unreasonable force against an inmate, violating the inmate’s constitutional civil rights.
Johnnie Drewery, 27, was involved in changing an inmate, D.H., into a suicide smock and moving him to a first-floor holding cell on July 11, 2020. After the inmate spat on Drewery, the Sergeant began to use his hands and knee to strike D.H., resulting in a fractured rib.
The crime Drewery pleaded guilty to carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
A sentencing will be set by the court in approximately 90 days.
The case was investigated by the Oklahoma City FBI Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry of the Western District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, ‘The defendant is being held accountable for using excessive force against a man inside of a jail cell who was not posing a threat at the time he was assaulted.’
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma added, ‘Law enforcement and corrections officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. But when an officer betrays the badge and the public’s trust, as the defendant did here, they dishonor their profession and endanger the safety of their fellow officers.’
Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office emphasized, ‘The FBI is the primary federal agency tasked with investigating violations of federal civil rights. Along with our partners, we work to protect the civil rights of all to ensure that individuals are treated fairly when they are in the custody of law enforcement.’
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant/Respondent: Johnnie Drewery
- Criminal Charges: Using Excessive Force
- City and State: Chickasha, Oklahoma
- Exact Date: July 11, 2020
- Sentence or Outcome: Pleaded guilty, sentencing set in 90 days
- Dollar Amounts: $250,000 fine
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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