Former Tate County, Mississippi, Lieutenant Randy T. Doss pleaded guilty in federal court today to unlawfully tasing an inmate at the Tate County Jail.
The tasing, which occurred on January 27, 2012, caused J.W., a pre-trial detainee, to fall to the concrete floor and fracture his skull.
Doss, who had more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, was an experienced law-enforcement officer who abused the authority entrusted to him. He was charged with a single count of violating the victim’s right not to be deprived of liberty without due process of law, as well as using a dangerous weapon – a taser electronic control device – and causing bodily injury to the victim.
The incident was captured on video, which showed Doss tasing the victim from 11 feet away. The victim fell backward and hit his head on the concrete floor, necessitating brain surgery.
“The actions of the defendant are reprehensible and inexcusable,” said U.S. Attorney Felicia C. Adams of the Northern District of Mississippi. “He abused his authority, violated the law and the public trust.”
Doss is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills of the Northern District of Mississippi on February 18, 2016.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson Division, with the cooperation of the Tate County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Coleman of the Northern District of Mississippi and Trial Attorneys Dana Mulhauser and Andres Palacio of the Civil Rights Division.
Related Federal Cases
- Randy Rodriquez Jones, Gun Sale by Felon, Mississippi 2020 · Mississippi
- James McGrew, Assaulting Officers, Mississippi 2021 · Mississippi
- Keena Boyce, Violent Crime, Mississippi 2023 · Mississippi
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- Joshua Mark Davis, Threatening to Damage and Destroy a Building, Mississippi 2022 · Mississippi
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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