Eric L. Nantell, a former Kentucky corrections sergeant, was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for multiple charges including deprivation of civil rights and obstruction of justice. Nantell was convicted after a four-day trial for failing to intervene during the assault of an inmate, misleading state investigators, and making false statements to an FBI special agent. Six other officers previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their roles in the incident and subsequent cover-up, with three testifying against Nantell.
“As the vicious beating of a handcuffed, leg-shackled inmate unfolded, this defendant failed to intervene to stop the assault and then abused his power by obstructing the investigation into the crime,” stated Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. She emphasized that all seven officers involved have been brought to justice.
U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky commented on Nantell's actions: “Instead of protecting someone in his custody and care or supervising others under his command, he turned a blind eye to a brutal beating and then tried to cover it up.” He labeled these actions as disgraceful criminal conduct.
Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office highlighted that seven corrections officers betrayed their duty to protect inmates' civil rights. “With today’s sentencing, all of the officers who took part in the assault, and those who attempted to cover-up the truth, have now been held accountable,” he said.
Court documents revealed that Nantell was supervising a routine prisoner escort at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC) when three officers assaulted a non-violent inmate restrained with handcuffs and leg shackles in a shower cell. Nantell observed but did not intervene during more than 20 seconds of repeated punching and kicking before walking away from the scene.
Following an immediate investigation by EKCC supervisors and Kentucky State Police detectives prompted by the inmate's report, Nantell participated in a cover-up scheme involving false statements made to both agencies' officers as well as an FBI special agent.
The case was investigated by the FBI Louisville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton for the Eastern District of Kentucky.