HICKMAN, Ky. (AP) - A former deputy jailer in western Kentucky has been sentenced to 4 years in prison for using a stun gun to punish a suicidal inmate for cursing, authorities said.
James Eakes, 54, received the sentence Thursday for willfully depriving the inmate of his constitutional right to be free from cruel and usual punishment, the FBI said in a statement. The former deputy jailer with the Fulton County Detention Center in Hickman was convicted last year.
According to evidence and testimony, Eakes used a Taser on the inmate three times because the inmate cursed at him.
“The FBI will not tolerate correctional officers who violate a person’s civil rights,” said FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge James Robert Brown Jr. “Former deputy jailer, Eakes, took an oath to protect the inmates under his control. Not only did he abuse his position of authority, but he also betrayed the public’s trust. As civil rights and color of law violations are a top priority of the FBI, we will continue to aggressively pursue law enforcement officials who abuse their power.”
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