Two Alaska State Troopers, Joseph Miller and Jason Woodruff, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating civil rights during an incident that took place in May 2024. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office.
According to court documents, the alleged violations occurred on May 24, 2024, while Miller and Woodruff were performing their duties as law enforcement officers with the Alaska State Troopers. The indictment claims that both officers deprived a victim of his constitutional rights under color of law.
The charges specify that Miller, serving as a Sergeant, allegedly tased, hit, and kicked the victim without legal justification. The indictment states this involved the use of a dangerous weapon and resulted in bodily injury to the victim. Woodruff is accused of unreasonably causing and directing his police canine to bite the victim at a time when the victim did not pose a threat warranting such force, also resulting in bodily injury.
Both men face one count each of deprivation of rights under color of law. If convicted, they could each be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing would be determined by a federal district court judge after considering relevant guidelines and statutory factors.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office is leading the investigation into these allegations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bradley is handling prosecution for the case.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman stated: "An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
Miller and Woodruff are scheduled for initial court appearances at a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Alaska.
