Former Tuskegee Police Lieutenant Convicted Of Civil Rights Offense For Assaulting Arrestee

Former Tuskegee Police Department Lieutenant Alex Huntley, 54, was convicted late Friday for beating a handcuffed and compliant arrestee, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr., of the Middle District of Alabama, and FBI Special Agent in charge James Jewell.

Evidence presented at trial established that, on Dec. 24, 2014, 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 surreptitiously audio-recorded the assault on his cell phone.

Former Tuskegee Lieutenant Darian Locure, 45, was also charged with a civil rights offense and obstruction of justice. He was acquitted on all charges.

“Illegal conduct by officers who abuse their power and violate the civil rights of those in their custody will not be tolerated,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “The Department will continue to vigorously enforce our nation’s laws and hold officers who break the law accountable.”

“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 Franklin.  “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.”

“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,” stated FBI Special Agent in charge James Jewell.

Following this conviction, Huntley is facing up to 10 years in prison, substantial fines, and three years of supervised release after his sentenced is served.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation also assisted in the investigation. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Samantha Trepel of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant United States Attorney Denise O. Simpson of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama.