U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee | U.S. Department of Justice
An indictment was recently unsealed in the Southern District of Mississippi against Jeffery Walker, a former officer of the Mississippi State Capitol Police Flex Unit. Walker is charged with felony deprivation of rights under color of law.
Court documents reveal that Walker allegedly used excessive force on a handcuffed individual, identified as E.S., employing dangerous weapons and causing bodily injury. The incident occurred on July 27, 2022, when Walker attempted to stop E.S. during a traffic pursuit while driving an unmarked police vehicle. Jackson Police Department officers were also involved in the pursuit until Walker cut off E.S., leading to a collision with a tree and forcing E.S.'s car into a yard.
After an assisting JPD officer handcuffed E.S., who remained compliant, Walker reportedly slammed E.S.'s head into the hood of his car and subsequently kicked him in the head and face area, resulting in injuries.
If found guilty, Walker could face up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering various guidelines and factors.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi, and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Jackson Field Office. Prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda Haynes for the Southern District of Mississippi and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
It is important to note that an indictment represents only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.