A former corrections officer at the D.C. jail has pleaded guilty to a criminal civil rights charge for beating an inmate. Victor Bell, 25, pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in the District to deprivation of rights under color of law, according to authorities and court records.
Prosecutors say Bell became upset with an inmate who expressed disapproval while Bell was conducting a pat-down search of another inmate on Jan. 4. The inmate walked away, and Bell followed and confronted him.
The inmate again tried to walk away, and Bell continued to follow him, then pushed him in his back, prosecutors said. Bell then grabbed the inmate by the shoulder, pushed him and began punching him repeatedly in the head. He grabbed the inmate’s dreadlocks and pulled one out, authorities said.
The inmate never physically fought Bell, who continued beating him until other officers pulled Bell away. The inmate was disoriented after the altercation and treated for a cut to his eye.
“No one is above the law, and no one is undeserving of the law’s protection,” U.S. Attorney for the District Ronald Machen said in a statement.
Court documents say Bell deprived the inmate of his right to due process, “which includes the right of a pre-trial detainee to be free from excessive force that amounts to punishment.”
Jonathan Jeffress, Bell’s attorney, said his client lost his temper and is sorry.
“Mr. Bell accepts full responsibility for his actions and is very remorseful,” he said.
As part of his plea agreement, Bell has agreed to resign from the D.C. Department of Corrections and to never seek employment as a law enforcement officer in any jurisdiction. He will also perform 150 hours of community service.
Bell could face up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine when he is sentenced on July 11.
“While the vast majority of law enforcement officers perform their duties with great care and honor, those who seek to violate the civil rights of those in their custody will be held accountable,” Thomas Perez, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s civil rights division, said in a statement. He said the department “will continue to prosecute officers who cross the line to engage in acts of criminal conduct.”
