Robert Hammac, Excessive Force, Louisiana 2017

Robert Hammac, 45, a former officer of the Lake Charles Police Department, pleaded guilty to using excessive force against an arrestee in a shocking case that has left many questioning the integrity of law enforcement in Louisiana.

According to documents filed today, Hammac was involved in a vehicle pursuit of G.T. on May 8, 2017, for several miles. The car was brought to a stop, and G.T. raised his hands in the air in a manner indicating surrender. Other officers then ordered G.T. out of the car and began pulling him out of the car. Hammac ran to the front passenger side door, opened it, grabbed G.T. before he could exit, pulled him back into the car, and repeatedly punched G.T.’s head with a closed fist. The victim was not resisting in any way or posing a threat.

The guilty plea was announced by Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph for the Western District of Louisiana, and FBI’s New Orleans Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Anderson.

“Law enforcement officers must uphold and defend the constitution,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “When an officer abuses their power, the public’s trust in law enforcement is compromised. The public will continue to hold such officers accountable under the law.”

“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “The vast majority of law enforcement officers perform their difficult and dangerous duties with integrity and courage. However, law enforcement officers who betray the badge and the public’s trust, as the defendant did here, also dishonor their profession and their fellow officers. This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the Western District of Louisiana.”

Hammac faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. The court set sentencing for November 14. The FBI conducted the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla Bynog of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division prosecuting the case.

The shocking case has left many in the Lake Charles community reeling, with questions being raised about the culture of law enforcement in the area. As one community leader noted, “This case is a stark reminder of the need for accountability in our law enforcement agencies. We must ensure that those who abuse their power are held accountable, and that our communities are protected from such behavior.”

Hammac’s guilty plea is a significant development in the case, and it remains to be seen what the full impact will be on the community and the law enforcement agencies involved.

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