Jorge Alberto Mateos, Assaulting Inmate, Indiana 2021

A former Detention Deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for assaulting an inmate. Jorge Alberto Mateos, 26, of Noblesville, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt to 18 months in federal prison, one year of supervised release and a $1,000 fine.

Mateos previously pleaded guilty to a felony civil rights offense for his unreasonable use of force against an inmate in his care.

According to court documents and statements made at the sentencing hearing, on the evening of September 9, 2021, Mateos was on duty as a Detention Deputy at the Marion County Jail. During the shift, deputies ordered an inmate at the facility to remove his jail-issued shoes. The inmate kicked off his shoes and sat in the corner of his cell. In response, Mateos entered the cell and told the inmate something to the effect of, “When a deputy tells you to do something, you need to do it.” Mateos then struck the inmate in the face multiple times, during which time the inmate did not try to resist or fight back.

Mateos continued to strike the inmate after he fell to the ground. According to court documents, other detention deputies attempted to deescalate the situation, separated the inmate and Mateos, and placed the inmate in handcuffs. After the inmate was handcuffed, Mateos struck the inmate several additional times. As a result, the inmate sustained bodily injuries.

“Former Deputy Mateos abused his authority as a law enforcement officer and betrayed the public’s trust when he violently assaulted an inmate in his custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “Law enforcement officials who commit violent assaults inside our jails and prisons are not above the law, and we will continue to vigorously prosecute those who commit civil rights violations.”

Mateos was a former Detention Deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for assaulting an inmate.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers of the Southern District of Indiana and FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley P. Shepard and Kelsey L. Massa of the Southern District of Indiana, and Trial Attorney Katherine G. DeVar for the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.

The crime occurred at the Marion County Jail in Indianapolis, Indiana. The defendant, Jorge Alberto Mateos, pleaded guilty to a felony civil rights offense for his unreasonable use of force against an inmate in his care.

The case is a reminder that law enforcement officials who commit violent assaults inside our jails and prisons will be held accountable.

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