A gang member with a history of violent offenses has received an additional prison sentence for a brutal attack on a correctional officer at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta. According to a report by FOX5 Atlanta, Cody Ryan Todd, a 34-year-old Carrollton resident and known member of the Ghost Face Gangsters, was convicted of assaulting the officer in February after an incident where he struck the officer in the face, knocking him down and continuing the assault, leaving the officer with significant injuries.
In early 2021, while awaiting trial on separate RICO charges, Todd engaged in the violent altercation that led to the new sentence. Officials claim Todd hit the face of the officer, further striking him multiple times after the latter was incapacitated. Todd, who had previously been arrested as part of a RICO investigation into the Ghost Face Gangsters, was already serving a 16-year prison term for conspiracy to commit racketeering, having been convicted of battery four times before this incident, as reported by WSB-TV.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan highlighted the importance of protecting correctional officers from such violence, stating, "Correctional officers must be permitted to do their jobs without the threat or fear of violence, and those who bring them harm will be prosecuted." Buchanan's assertion underscores federal authorities' commitment to safeguarding those charged with overseeing correctional facilities, as per FOX5 Atlanta.
For his attack on the officer, Todd was handed down a sentence of six years and five months in prison, with nearly three years to be served concurrently with his current sentence for racketeering. The Office of the FBI in Atlanta, led by Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley, also emphasized their stance against violence towards law enforcement, with Farley affirming, "The FBI has zero tolerance for anyone who uses violence against law enforcement officers." Farley's statement was made, ensuring criminals are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their incarceration status according to WSB-TV.
