Tuskegee, Ala. -- Former Tuskegee police lieutenant Alex Hunley, was convicted for his role in the beating of a compliant, handcuffed arrestee and a cover-up of the incident in 2014.
According to evidence presented at the trial, Huntley arrested a man who scuffled with police near the Tuskegee town square and directed a fellow police officer to transport him back to the Tuskegee Police Department for booking. Once there, Huntley sprayed pepper spray in the arrestee's face, even though the arrestee was handcuffed and following police instructions.
Huntley then took the arrestee inside the police station, where Huntley knocked the still-handcuffed arrestee to the ground, stomped on him and repeatedly kicked and punched him. In between blows, Huntley stood over the arrestee and yelled threats at him as the arrestee screamed in pain. A police officer recruit who witnessed the beating was so horrified that he secretly audio-recorded the assault on his cell phone.
Former lieutenant Darian Locure was also charged with a civil rights offense and obstruction of justice, but was acquitted on all charges.
Huntley possibly faces up to 10 years in prison, substantial fines and three years of supervised release after completion of his sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The majority of our police officers are dedicated to protecting and serving the public with strength, courage, and valor. Unfortunately, Mr. Huntley was not so dedicated,” said U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. “Police officers walk a tough, yet honorable line every day. This office is committed to prosecuting any law enforcement officer who abandons their oath to protect and serve and, instead, chooses to engage in criminal conduct that they are sworn so oppose.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case with the assistance of the Alabama Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“Lady Justice wears a blindfold for a reason, and a violation of someone's civil rights by a sworn law enforcement officer cannot be tolerated,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge James Jewell.
