Former Memphis Officer Sentenced for Violating Detainee's Civil Rights

Former Memphis Police Officer Isaac White has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, two years' supervised release, and a $4,000 fine for violating the civil rights of a detainee, the FBI announced.

White pleaded guilty on Nov. 25, 2009, to violating the civil rights of Pierre Jefferson. After handcuffing Jefferson in May 2008, White rammed Jefferson's head into the corner of a building, and struck him in the face several times, causing him to fall to the ground. White also admitted to kicking Jefferson after he fell to the ground.

"Police officers are entrusted with great power so that they can carry out their critical public safety responsibilities," said Thomas E. Perez, assistant attorney general for the civil rights division. "The Department of Justice does not tolerate excessive force, and when officers abuse their power by abusing people in their custody, the department will aggressively prosecute."

The case is a result of the continued joint efforts by the Memphis Police Department, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office. The case was investigated by the FBI/MPD Joint Task Force and the Organized Crime Unit.