A former Fulton County Detention Officer, Monique Clark, has been sentenced to four years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for using excessive force against a detainee, as reported on the U.S. Department of Justice. According to the statement released by U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan, "Clark abandoned his oath of office when he used excessive force to strangle a pre-trial detainee without cause."
The incident took place back in June 2023, where while on duty at the North Jail Annex in Alpharetta, Georgia, Clark strangled the handcuffed detainee leading to unconsciousness and bodily harm even though the detainee posed no immediate threat. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the illegal nature of Clark's actions, pointing out the inherent danger in Clark's use of chokeholds and neck restraints, "Using high-level force against a person in custody who poses no threat is plainly illegal, but using such a dangerous technique gratuitously is especially disturbing," a sentiment shared by the U.S. Department of Justice, as they continue to pursue accountability in excessive force cases.
Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley of the FBI Atlanta Field Office commented on the betrayal Clark's actions represent against his colleagues, affirming that, "The abuse of inmates by prison staff will not be tolerated by the FBI and will always be pursued for prosecution," thus reinforcing the FBI's dedication to examine such incidents thoroughly. Clark, a 32-year-old from Stone Mountain, Georgia, entered a guilty plea on March 26, before U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The case which culminated in Clark's imprisonment was propelled by the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Alec C. Ward, illustrating a joint commitment to ensuring that the rights of individuals within the criminal justice system are protected and that actions that compromise the integrity of law enforcement are not overlooked.
