According to court documents, Griffin, without justification, punched an inmate in the head, breaking the inmate’s jaw. The inmate did not resist or pose a threat justifying the defendant’s use of force. After the incident, Griffin wrote a false report to cover-up the assault.
Griffin pleaded guilty to the offense on Oct. 11, 2023. His co-defendant, another former TDOC tactical officer, Sebron Hollands, pleaded guilty on Oct. 2, 2023, to writing a false report.
“The defendant pledged to protect and serve but instead he abused his authority as a corrections officer, violently punching a man in the head and breaking his jaw,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant made matters worse by trying to cover up his tracks with a false report. This sentence sends a clear message that the Justice Department will hold accountable any official inside our jails and prisons who violates an inmate’s civil rights.”
“No correctional officer is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “The defendant assaulted an inmate and then tried to cover it up. This office’s National Security and Civil Rights Unit will continue to prioritize the prosecution of public employees who violate the civil rights of others.”
“When correctional officers abuse their authority, it not only violates our civil rights laws, it undermines the criminal justice system,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta of the FBI Memphis Field Office. “The FBI makes it a priority to bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the civil rights of those they are sworn to protect.”
The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Matthew Tannenbaum and Andrew Manns of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
In a statement, the Justice Department emphasized that this sentence sends a clear message that the department will hold accountable any official inside our jails and prisons who violates an inmate’s civil rights.
The case highlights the importance of holding corrections officers accountable for their actions. It also raises questions about the culture within the TDOC and whether it allows for a culture of abuse and cover-ups.
The public has the right to know when those in power abuse their authority and violate the civil rights of others. Grimy Times will continue to shine a light on these cases and bring them to the public’s attention.
As the Justice Department continues to prioritize the prosecution of public employees who violate the civil rights of others, it’s clear that this case will serve as a warning to any corrections officer who thinks they are above the law.
Related Federal Cases
- NY AG Slams Supreme Court’s Decision on Tennessee Youth Care Ban · New York
- Meth Ring Busted: 26 Facing Federal Charges · Arkansas
- Election Fraud Crackdown in Middle Tennessee · Washington
- Middle Tennessee Podiatrist Peter Pleads Guilty to Medicare Fraud · Tennessee
- Online Scam Kingpin Sentenced: Mississippi Fraud Ring Busted · Mississippi
Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime|Civil Rights
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News