An Illinois prison guard was convicted of civil rights deprivation, culminating in bodily injury and death, and obstruction of justice in connection with the death of inmate Larry Earvin, following a three-week trial and three hours of deliberation.
According to a press release shared by the Department of Justice, a federal jury found Todd Sheffler, a commanding officer at the Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling, Illinois., guilty on Aug. 24. He is the third correctional officer to be convinced in connection to Earvin's fatal beating.
“We also hope it serves as a warning to all those who would abuse governmental power," U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris said. "Illinois correctional officers’ brutal beating of Mr. Earvin cost him his life, and that is a loss that can never be remedied. Our prosecution of this case demonstrates our continued commitment to equal justice under the law and to protecting society’s vulnerable, including those in our prisons.”
"Illinois correctional officers are public servants sworn to treat committed persons equally with fairness and dignity, and to conduct their duties in a manner that meets the department’s highest ethical standards," David Nanz, special agent in charge of the FBI's Springfield Field Office, said.
"Disregard for those responsibilities resulted in the tragic death of Larry Earvin. While the actions of Todd Sheffler are not characteristic of the vast majority of law enforcement, it, unfortunately, undermines the efforts of the officers who serve with integrity, who bear the responsibility to respect and defend the rights of those under their watch. The FBI has an unwavering commitment to investigate all federal civil rights violations to ensure that every citizen – whether free or incarcerated – can exercise their protected liberties without fear of violence,” he said.
