Donovan Matthew Pruett, a former jailer in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 36 months of probation after pleading guilty to one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Pruett, 24, admitted guilt on November 24, 2025. According to investigators, the incident occurred on September 28, 2024. While working at the Okfuskee County Jail in an official capacity, Pruett physically assaulted a restrained detainee after being spat on. The assault resulted in bodily injury to the victim.
Under Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 242, it is a federal crime for anyone acting under color of law—including police officers and jailers—to willfully deprive someone of rights protected by the Constitution or U.S. law.
The sentencing hearing took place before Senior District Judge Ronald A. White in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Paladino prosecuted the case with guidance from the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
