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Police Officer in Louisiana Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Charge for Using Excessive Force

Louisiana – On July 1, 2022, Jared Preston Desadier, 44, of Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to a charge of deprivation of rights under color of law, announced Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown of the Western District of Louisiana; and Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams of the FBI New Orleans Field Office.

According to evidence presented in court, Desadier, a uniformed officer with the Monroe Police Department (MPD) at the time, used unreasonable force by kicking an arrestee in the face on or about the evening of April 21, 2020. When MPD officers overheard an alarm system activating shortly after midnight, Desadier and other officers detained a man for questioning. When officers discovered drug paraphernalia on the man, he fled the scene, and officers pursued him.A patrolling MPD officer caught up to the man about a block away and ordered him to the ground. By lying flat on his stomach and placing his hands behind his back, the man agreed. Desadier ran up to the scene as that officer approached and prepared to handcuff the man, and kicked him in the face as he lay face-down on the ground with both hands behind his back.

Desadier admitted in court that his assault on the victim was unjustified because the man posed no threat to any officers or other people on the scene. Desadier also admitted that he was aware that his actions were unjustified and unreasonable in the circumstances at the time.

“Instead of lawfully carrying out his sworn duties as a law enforcement officer, Desadier abused his authority by assaulting and injuring an arrestee who was not a threat,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute any officer who abuses the public trust by using excessive force without basis.”

“I applaud our local, law-abiding police officers for their service to our respective communities,” said U.S. Attorney Brown. “Unfortunately, there are a few police officers who cannot be described as law-abiding. When police officers commit crimes in violation of federal criminal civil rights statutes that can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt in a federal court of law, we will prosecute those officers zealously and without hesitation. The actions of this officer are inexcusable, violate public trust in law enforcement, and he must be held accountable. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing the rule of law and protecting the civil rights of all persons present within the Western District of Louisiana, with a goal of restoring and building the public’s trust in local, state and federal law enforcement.”

“The preservation of civil rights and the investigation of color of law violations are of utmost priority for the FBI. Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that individuals like Jared Preston Desadier will be held responsible and no one is above the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Williams Jr. “We thank our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana and Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for their strong partnership and dedication to protecting the civil rights of every citizen.”

Desadier could face up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The date for his sentencing has been set for November 21, 2022.

The FBI investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Flanagan and Mary J. Mudrick, as well as Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson.

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