Former Hancock County, West Virginia, Sheriff’s Deputy Mark
A. Cowden, 51, of Weirton, West Virginia, was convicted by jury today of using
excessive force against an arrestee, announced Principal Deputy Assistant
Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights
Division, and U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld II of the Northern District of
West Virginia.
Following a five-day trial, a jury found Cowden guilty of
one count of deprivation of rights.
Evidence presented at trial established that Cowden, who was then
serving as a lieutenant with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, escorted a
handcuffed arrestee into a Hancock County building in order to process his
arrest. Once Cowden and five other
officers entered the building with the arrestee, Cowden slammed the handcuffed
arrestee face-first into a brick wall and punched him in the head.
“When law enforcement officials flout the law they take an
oath to uphold, their actions erode trust in our public institutions,” said
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “Like all communities, the people of Hancock
County expect and deserve a justice system anchored in accountability. The Justice Department will continue to
prosecute criminal misconduct that offends the core purpose and mission of law
enforcement.”
“When Mark Cowden first became a deputy sheriff, he promised
to serve and protect all citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “He broke that promise when he physically
assaulted a handcuffed man. His actions
should not reflect upon the vast majority of officers who bravely perform their
jobs everyday with professionalism and integrity.”
Cowden faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to
$250,000.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas of
the Northern District of West Virginia and Trial Attorney Nicholas Murphy from
the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
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