A former deputy from the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana, Javarrea Pouncy, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for assaulting a detainee. Pouncy, aged 31, admitted to using excessive force during a strip search in September 2019, where he and another deputy repeatedly punched the detainee who posed no threat. The assault led to severe injuries including a broken eye socket and nose.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated, "The defendant pledged to protect and serve his community, but instead, he repeatedly punched a detainee without justification, leaving him bloodied and broken." She emphasized that the sentence demonstrates intolerance for such abuses.
U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown highlighted the importance of maintaining decency while respecting civil rights: "Prosecutions such as these are critical to ensure that the good work of law enforcement officers is not hampered by the heinous acts of bad law enforcement officers."
FBI Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough expressed regret over investigating someone sworn to uphold the law: "It’s a sad day when we have to investigate someone who took an oath to uphold the law."
DeMarkes Grant, another deputy involved in the incident, pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and received a 10-month sentence.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office conducted the investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Reeg and Trial Attorney Erin Monju prosecuting.