Jackson, Miss. – A former Chancery Clerk in Mississippi has been sentenced for depriving a person of their civil rights under color of law.
A 74-year-old man, Tommy Joe Harvey, was the Simpson County Chancery Clerk from 2004 through May 31, 2022. He was sentenced to 2 years’ probation and a $5,000 fine for the crime, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jackson Field Office.
The incident occurred on April 28, 2017, when a woman, identified as A.R., was in court for a child custody hearing. She became upset and left the courtroom before the hearing was over. She was ordered back to the courtroom, but instead, Harvey found her in her vehicle parked across the street.
According to court documents, Harvey told one of his employees to bring him a can of pepper spray from inside his office. He then told A.R. to compose herself and not drive away or she would be pepper sprayed. Harvey pepper sprayed her while she was trying to drive away and then told two Simpson County Sheriff’s Deputies to handcuff A.R. After she was handcuffed, Harvey pepper sprayed her several more times while she was being escorted to the courthouse by the deputies.
Harvey pled guilty on February 23, 2022, to deprivation of civil rights under color of law. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Terrill and Deputy Criminal Chief Erin Chalk.
Harvey’s sentence includes 2 years’ probation and a $5,000 fine. The incident highlights the importance of upholding civil rights and holding public officials accountable for their actions.
The case serves as a reminder that public officials are not above the law and will be held accountable for any actions that violate the rights of citizens.
Related Federal Cases
- Letitia James, Clinic Access Violation, New York 2023 · Alabama
- XPLOR Energy SPV-1, Inc. Fined for Clean Water Act Violation, Texas… · Oklahoma
- Tommy Thompson, Cocaine Hydrochloride Conspiracy, LA, 2023 · North Carolina
- Maui Burns: Biden Faces Heat Amidst Wildfire Response · Washington
- Robert L. Crites, Defrauded TRICARE, Batesville MS, 2023 · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: Violent Crime, Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
