South Carolina's The State newspaper has reported that a former Richland jail guard has pleaded guilty to beating a handcuffed and mentally ill homeless man in his cell.
The beating allegedly left the prisoner with two broken ribs, a collapsed lung and fractured vertebrae. The inmate's injuries were noted in a personal injury lawsuit that is pending against the Richland County.
U.S. District Court Judge Joe Anderson accepted R.S.'s guilty plea for a civil rights violation. R.S., 38, is now awaiting his sentencing while the judge has pre-sentencing checks done on him. He is expected to spend two months in prison, however, prosecutors are asking for up to two years.
According to assistant U.S. Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels, federal officials will "aggressively prosecute those who cross the line to engage in acts of criminal misconduct."
During the plea hearing assistant U.S. attorney B.D. commented that R.S. had "displayed early acceptance" in admitting that he was responsible for using excessive force against the imprisoned man, and he fully cooperated with investigators.
At approximately 6:30 a.m. on February 11 R.S. entered the cell in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center that was housed by the homeless inmate. The inmate – on suicide watch as he had been classified as nonviolent, mentally ill and incoherent – struggled when R.S tried to restrain him in handcuffs.
B.D. said that the struggle "let to the escalation" and subsequent beating.
The homeless man was in the jail after being arrested for trespassing – University police had taken him from a classroom's doorway at the University of South Carolina.
An investigation conducted by FBI agents and sheriff's deputies stated that in the four days that the man languished in jail he was denied medical treatment and almost died as a result of his injuries.
Reporters were unable to ascertain if the beating was discovered or recorded on the jail's surveillance cameras.
Since the beating came to light six other guards from the detention center have been fired as they failed to alert their supervisors when the incident occurred.
Judge Anderson received only short responses when he asked R.S. if he understood the ramifications of pleading guilty prior to a trial. R.S.'s attorney, I.S. Leevy Johnson, declined to comment to reporters following his client's court appearance.
R.S. was fired and charged with assault and battery following the joint investigation, and federal officials also accused him of violating civil rights.
In a plea agreement it was recommended by federal prosecutors that state officials not charge R.S. with assault.
Consultants have been hired by the County Council to see about making changes in the operations of the jails to prevent further crimes against inmates.
Unexpectedly charged with a crime? Contact a criminal defense attorney for help right away! As you begin to work on your defense with your lawyer you will soon learn what plea agreement options are open to you.
