GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Mississippi corrections officer Lawardrick Marsher has pleaded guilty in federal court to beating an inmate at Parchman prison, along with aiding a cover-up of the incident.
Marshal, 29, admitted to using excessive force against K.H., resulting in a broken orbital bone, permanent vision loss, and severe blood loss. The assault took place on March 9, 2014. Marshal also confessed to submitting a false report and lying to the FBI.
Marshers’ supervisor, Robert Sturdivant, 47, pleaded guilty as well, admitting he participated in the beating and instructed other officers to provide false statements to their department and lie to the FBI.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized that every American, regardless of incarceration status, is protected by the U.S. Constitution. He vowed the DOJ’s commitment to enforcing laws against such misconduct.
U.S. Attorney Felicia C. Adams of the Northern District of Mississippi stated the office’s dedication to aggressively prosecuting officers who violate the law and an individual’s constitutional rights. Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the FBI Jackson Division highlighted the moral authority lost when prison guards violate the civil rights they are sworn to protect.
The grand jury indicted Marsher and Sturdivant on June 21, 2016. Deonte Pate, 23, and Romander Nelson, 44, also pleaded guilty in relation to the beating. Marshal faces up to 10 years in prison, Sturdivant up to five years. Sentencing dates are scheduled for June.
RELATED: Ex-MS Correctional Officer Deonte Pate Pleads Guilty in Inmate Assault Cover-Up
Related Federal Cases
- Ex-MS Correctional Officer Deonte Pate Pleads Guilty in Inmate Assault Cover-Up · Mississippi
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Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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