Former Louisiana Police Officer Convicted of Civil Rights Violation for Assaulting Non-Violent Suspect

In a landmark verdict, a former Louisiana police officer has been found guilty by a federal jury on charges of deprivation of rights under color of law for his violent assault on a non-violent loitering suspect. The trial, which lasted four days, shed light on the officer's egregious abuse of authority during the arrest.

The convicted officer, Dylan Hudson, 36, was proven to have physically assaulted the suspect during a daytime arrest in Shreveport, Louisiana. Disturbing evidence presented in court, including video footage from police dashboard cameras, revealed the defendant repeatedly striking the suspect in the head and face. The use of potentially deadly force included hitting the suspect with a loaded pistol, tasering him at the base of the skull, and delivering a kick to the face. Testimony from fellow officers corroborated that the loitering suspect remained non-violent throughout the entire arrest, emphasizing the defendant's violations of training and policy that endangered not only the suspect but others present as well.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division expressed her dismay at the defendant's conduct, captured vividly on video. She stated, "When an officer so grievously abuses the authority entrusted to him by his community, the Justice Department will respond with the full force of the law."

U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana echoed these sentiments, denouncing Hudson's actions and emphasizing that they did not reflect the values of the Shreveport community or the police department. He further acknowledged the significance of the verdict, noting, "This is the first trial resulting in a guilty verdict that we have ever had in the history of this district where the defendant was a member of the Shreveport Police Department. This administration is committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting unjustified use-of-force incidents to the fullest extent of the law."

Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office stressed the importance of accountability, stating, "Mr. Hudson's despicable actions have no place in law enforcement," and reaffirming the commitment of the FBI and its partners to protect the public from those who misuse their authority.

The convicted officer faces a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment for the charged crime. Sentencing is scheduled for October 26.

The FBI conducted the investigation into this case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Mudrick for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division's Criminal Section serving as prosecutors.

This conviction serves as a significant step toward ensuring accountability for unjustified use of force and upholding the principles of justice and equality within law enforcement.