PANAMA CITY — Five correctional officers who were fired and arrested in connection with a prison beating at the Northwest Florida Reception Center (NWFRC) in Washington County are now facing federal charges for the incident, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment Wednesday alleging the five Department of Corrections (DOC) officers conspired in August to violate the civil rights of an inmate at the NWFRC. Named in the indictment are William F. Finch, 35, of Wausau; Dalton E. Riley, 24, of Bethlehem; James F. Perkins, 39, of Graceville; Robert L. Miller, 48, of Lynn Haven; and Christopher B. Christmas, 32, of Chipley.
They already are facing state charges of malicious felony battery on an inmate.
Excluded from the indictment was former Capt. James Kirkland, who was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after state charges of malicious felony battery on an inmate were brought against the officers.
The arrests stemmed from an Aug. 5 incident involving 31-year-old inmate Jeremiah L. Tatum. A superior officer, Kirkland, had been arrested earlier on additional charges of official misconduct after he allegedly orchestrated the incident and then pressured subordinate officers to sign fictitious reports.
Video from the prison showed Tatum being slammed face first to the concrete floor by Finch and Riley while Tatum’s hands were restrained behind his back and his ankles restrained. The three other officers then jumped on Tatum and pinned him to the ground, according to arrest records.
Each of the subordinate officers told investigators the attack was designed by their supervisor. Kirkland told them he wanted Tatum taken to the ground during an escort, and that he would prompt the attack by yelling that Tatum spit on him, according to investigation reports.
But the five subordinate officers told investigators none of Tatum’s actions justified the use of force.
In the federal indictment, prosecutors charged the officers with physically assaulting Tatum without justification and causing him bodily injury. To cover up the officers’ actions, the indictment further alleges, Finch was the sole officer to falsify reports of the incident by stating the assault was in response to the inmate spitting on Kirkland.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Florida Department of Corrections – Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gayle E. Littleton. United States Attorney Marsh expressed appreciation for the work by the investigative team.
The arraignment of the officers is scheduled for Feb. 26 at 1:30 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Larry A. Bodiford at the U.S. District of Northern Florida courthouse in Panama City.
Each of the officers still face charges of malicious battery on an inmate causing great bodily harm, according to Washington County court records.