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Iberia Parish Sheriff Charged in Prison Abuse
By Grimy Times Crime Team
Louisiana – In a shocking turn of events, Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal and Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Savoy have been charged with civil rights violations arising out of the beatings of five pre-trial detainees at the Iberia Parish Jail on April 29, 2011.
According to the indictment, Ackal and Savoy conspired with each other and with other officers to assault five inmates, identified by the initials C.O., S.S., A.T., A.D. and H.G. The indictment also alleges that members of the conspiracy failed to intervene and stop the assaults.
This is not the first time the Iberia Parish Jail has been embroiled in controversy. Eight former Iberia Parish Sheriff Office employees previously entered guilty pleas in related cases before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi of the Western District of Louisiana. The eight officers are former IPJ Warden Wesley Hayes, former IPJ Assistant Warden Jesse Hayes, former Lieutenant Bret Broussard of the Narcotics Unit, former narcotics agent Wade Bergeron, former narcotics agent Jason Comeaux, former narcotics agent David Hines, former narcotics agent Byron Benjamin Lassalle and former K-9 handler Robert Burns.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, Ackal and Savoy each face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each of the civil rights violations, as well as a potential $250,000 fine for each count.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Lafayette Resident Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph G. Jarzabek of the Western District of Louisiana, Special Litigation Counsel Mark Blumberg and Trial Attorney Tona Boyd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Ackal and Savoy’s alleged actions have sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many wondering how such abuse could occur under the watch of those sworn to protect and serve. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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