Former Sergeant Gary Shine Pleads Guilty to a Civil Rights Violation

A Former Sergeant Pleads Guilty to a Civil Rights Violation.

The U.S. Attorney´s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced this week that Gary Shine, a former sergeant with the Jefferson Parish Sherriff´s Office pleaded guilty on Wednesday to having violated an inmate´s civil rights.  The inmate was a prisoner house at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center at the time of the beating in 2012.

When he entered his guilty plea, Shine admitted striking a handcuffed inmate with his knee and punching the man in the head.  Shine admitted that the inmate was not posing a threat to himself or any other person, eliminating any legal justification for Shine’s use of force.

In a written statement released on Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite stated that: “The vast majority of our law enforcement officials serve with honor and integrity. However, when someone abuses the power and privileges of his office, as Gary Shine did here, he will be held accountable.”

Shine faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 22.

If you have been assaulted or physically abused by a law enforcement officer or jailer, please contact a lawyer immediately.  Unlawful treatment could go beyond criminal liability and might be a civil liability.

If you or a loved one has been subjected to this type of treatment call us, the Law Firm of Regan Law PLC stands ready to help with any legal issue you may have.