A former deputy with the Bullitt County, Kentucky, Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Corder, was convicted today by a federal jury of two counts of willfully depriving a Bullitt County resident of his constitutional rights under color of law.
The evidence presented at trial established that Corder abused his authority as a sworn law enforcement officer by retaliating against a Bullitt County resident who insulted him. Corder unlawfully entered the man’s home, tased him in the back, arrested him without probable cause, and charged him with crimes that he did not commit, causing the man to sit in jail for weeks and lose his job. The charges against the victim, disorderly conduct and fleeing and evading, were eventually dismissed.
Corder faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on the first charge and one year of imprisonment on the second charge. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 17, 2016, before U.S. District Judge David J. Hale of the Western District of Kentucky.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Louisville Division, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gregory of the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Christopher Perras of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
“This deputy abused his authority, neglected the law, and harmed a resident he swore an oath to protect,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “No insult justifies depriving the victim of his constitutional rights, and anytime law enforcement officers act like Corder did here, they do a disservice to the vast majority of their colleagues who safeguard our communities with fidelity, professionalism, and distinction.
The Justice Department will work tirelessly to bring to justice any member of law enforcement who breaks the law by using excessive force.”
“Every day, thousands of law enforcement officials have thousands of respectful, appropriate, lawful interactions with individuals,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn. “We all appreciate these dedicated guardians for keeping us safe in our homes and in our communities. But in those rare instances when a police officer violates his foremost duty to obey the law and adhere to the limits imposed by our Constitution, the Department of Justice will vigorously work to hold that officer accountable.
The four-day trial included testimony from the victim, the victim’s sister, and the other officer on scene, which corroborated the victim’s account. The instructors from the police academy who trained Corder also testified to the fact that he knew what the law permits and knew that his conduct violated the victim’s constitutional rights. Evidence included Corder’s false arrest report as well as body-camera footage of the arrest.
Defendant: Matthew Corder
Criminal Charges: Two counts of willfully depriving a Bullitt County resident of his constitutional rights under color of law
City and State: Louisville, Kentucky
Exact Date: No specific date mentioned, but sentencing scheduled for Oct. 17, 2016
Sentence or Outcome: Scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 17, 2016, with maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on the first charge and one year of imprisonment on the second charge
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- Ellis C. Brown III, Deprivation of Civil Rights, Missouri 2024 · Iowa
- Joseph Howe, Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers, Kentucky 2021 · Virginia
- Barry Saturday, Assault on Law Enforcement, Kentucky 2021 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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