Simpson County Sheriff’s Deputy Indicted for Using Excessive Force Against a Handcuffed Arrestee

Jackson, Miss. - A Simpson County Sheriff's Deputy appeared for an arraignment today following an Indictment filed in Jackson on criminal charges related to his use of excessive force against an arrestee.

According to court documents, Adrian Durr, 43, of Magee, used excessive force against an arrestee in the custody of the Simpson County Sheriff's Office. The Indictment alleges that while the arrestee was handcuffed to a bench that was bolted to the floor and shackled with leg irons on his ankles, Durr struck the arrestee in the head with the handgrip of his taser. After striking the arrestee with his taser, Durr kicked the arrestee in the head rendering him unconscious. At all times, the arrestee was handcuffed and hobbled with leg irons on his ankles.

"Law enforcement officers in Mississippi and throughout the nation are required to take care of the safety and welfare of the people they arrest," said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee. "Unlawful physical assaults on arrestees are federal crimes that the Justice Department will prosecute."

"Our citizens deserve credible law enforcement to safeguard the community from crime," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff. "The actions of Mr. Durr significantly deprived the citizens of that protection and eroded the trust earned each day by honest law enforcement officers throughout the nation. The FBI is committed to aggressively investigating those who misuse their authority and violate individual's rights in the execution of their sworn duties."

Durr is charged by Indictment with Deprivation of Civil Rights Under Color of Law. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Goff is prosecuting the case.