A former police sergeant in Alabama recently admitted to assaulting a man in a jail cell as part of a plea deal. Court documents reveal that Ryan Phillips, who previously served as a sergeant in the Daleville Police Department, pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of an arrestee on March 1, 2022. According to the plea agreement, after an argument, Phillips entered the cell and repeatedly struck the man on his chest, back, and face, despite the man not posing a threat to himself or others.
The victim, identified only by his initials in the legal paperwork, sustained injuries including bruises and cuts on his scalp, face, neck, back, and chest. Phillips is set to be sentenced on Nov. 13, with prosecutors recommending a 22-month prison term for the assault. U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross emphasized the importance of holding accountable law enforcement officers who engage in such misconduct, stating that such excessive force cannot be condoned as it tarnishes the reputation of the many officers who serve with integrity.
As of now, there has been no comment from Phillips’ defense attorney regarding the case.
