VALDOSTA, Ga. (AP) – A Georgia prison guard pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of a prisoner by beating him while handcuffed and on the ground.
Prosecutors said Jamal Scott, 33, and other guards took the man to an outside area to attack him on December 29, 2018 in retaliation for an earlier argument with a female guard at Valdosta State Prison in South Georgia.
A US Department of Justice press release said Scott faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $ 250,000. However, a hearing on the conviction is not yet planned.
“Harmful effects are felt in our community and beyond when a sworn officer violates the civil rights of a responsible person,” said acting US attorney Peter D. Leary in the press release.
Scott and correctional officer Brian Ford followed instructions from their manager, Sgt. Patrick Sharpe, prosecutors said.
Ford pleaded guilty in November. Scott and Sharpe were charged in December.
Sharpe has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
