Memphis, TN – A former Memphis Police Division (MPD) officer pleaded responsible in federal court docket within the Western District of Tennessee to 1 felony depend of deprivation of rights below coloration of legislation for assaulting an arrestee in January 2021.
In response to the defendant’s admissions on the plea listening to, Armando Bustamante was working as an MPD officer in January 2021. Whereas on obligation, Bustamante struck a person within the head utilizing his service weapon and his fingers, with out authorized justification. Bustamante’s assault precipitated bodily damage to the person.
“This former Memphis police officer abused his authority by violently assaulting a person with out foundation,” mentioned Assistant Lawyer Common Kristen Clarke of the Justice Division’s Civil Rights Division. “Officers who willfully use extreme pressure with out foundation usually are not above the legislation and might be held accountable. Whether or not in Memphis or any nook of the nation, the Justice Division stands able to vigorously prosecute these legislation enforcement officers who defy the Structure and violate folks’s civil rights.”
“America cares deeply about violations of civil rights, right here in Memphis and all through America,” mentioned U.S. Lawyer Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “The overwhelming majority of cops do their jobs honorably and lawfully. As this case reveals, we won’t hesitate to carry those that violate civil rights legal guidelines to account.”
“This plea is the results of the efforts of legislation enforcement to make sure that any officer who violates the civil rights of these they’re sworn to guard is dropped at justice,” mentioned Douglas S. DePodesta, Appearing Particular Agent in Cost of the Memphis Discipline Workplace of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “The FBI is dedicated to defending the civil rights of all folks and sporting a badge doesn’t make one above the legislation.”
Bustamante faces a most penalty of as much as 10 years in jail and three years of supervised launch. A sentencing date has been set for June 15.
Assistant Lawyer Common Clarke, U.S. Lawyer Ritz, Assistant Director Quesada and Particular Agent in Cost DePodesta made the announcement.
The FBI Memphis Discipline Workplace investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Lawyer David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Lawyer Nikhil Ramnaney of the Civil Rights Division’s Felony Part are prosecuting the case.
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For extra data, please contact Public Data Officer Cherri Inexperienced at (901) 544-4231 or cherri.inexperienced@usdoj.gov. Observe @WDTNNews on Twitter for workplace information and updates.