Former Corrections Officer Indicted for Beating Inmate

A former supervisory corrections officer in Tennessee has been charged with federal civil rights and obstruction offenses after allegedly assaulting an inmate and lying about it.

According to a federal indictment, Kenan Lister, 42, used unlawful force on an inmate at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility in Hartsville, Tennessee, on Aug. 30, 2019.

The indictment alleges that Lister punched the inmate in the head, knocking him to the ground, and then kicked, punched, and struck the inmate multiple times in his head, chest, and torso after he was on the ground.

The inmate sustained bodily injury as a result of the assault. Lister allegedly failed to provide medical care or to make the necessary notifications to get the inmate medical care.

Additionally, the indictment alleges that Lister obstructed justice by submitting a false report that omitted his use of force entirely.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Mary Jane Stewart for the Middle District of Tennessee announced the indictment.

The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Beth Myers of the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

If convicted, Lister faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the civil rights charges and up to 20 years in prison for the obstruction charge, as well as a maximum of three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

Defendant: Kenan Lister

Criminal Charges: One count of deprivation of rights under color of law, one count of being deliberately indifferent to the inmate’s medical needs, and one count of obstructing justice

City and State: Hartsville, Tennessee

Date: Aug. 30, 2019

Sentence or Outcome: Pending trial

Dollar Amounts: Up to $250,000 fine

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