Two New Orleans Officers Charged in Civilian Beating Death

Officer Melvin Williams and Officer Matthew Moore of the New Orleans Police Department were charged in a three-count indictment with federal crimes in connection with the beating death of civilian Raymond Robair in July 2005.

Williams is charged with violating Robair's constitutional rights by kicking and striking with a baton, which resulted in his death. Robair, who suffered fractured ribs and a ruptured spleen, was pronounced dead at Charity Hospital later that same day.

The indictment also charges Williams, along with NOPD Officer Matthew Dean Moore, with obstructing justice by writing and submitting a false and inaccurate incident report regarding their interactions with Robair. Moore also faces one additional felony count, for making false statements to FBI agents in March.

If convicted, Williams faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison. Moore faces a possible maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

The case is one of at least eight federal civil rights investigations pending involving the New Orleans PD.