Van Buren, Arkansas – Two former Crawford Countysheriff’s deputies have been sentenced to federal prison for violating a man’s civil rights by using excessive force during an arrest. The U.S. District Court in Fort Smith, under the direction of Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey, handed down the sentences following the deputies’ convictions for Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law.
Sentencing and Charges
On October 9, 2024, Levi White, 33, received a sentence of 63 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. His co-defendant, Zackary King, 28, was sentenced today to 12 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release.
Both men were charged with using unlawful force during the arrest of a man, identified in court documents as R.W., on August 21, 2022. The charges stem from an incident in a gas station parking lot, where the deputies used force against R.W. after he was no longer resisting.
Details of the Incident
According to court records, White, King, and a third unidentified officer encountered R.W. in connection with an investigation into a threat made against a store attendant. During the encounter, R.W. lunged at White and tackled him. However, all three officers quickly subdued R.W. and pinned him to the ground. At that point, R.W. was no longer resisting the officers.
Despite R.W. being restrained, King proceeded to kick him in the back and punch him in the midsection. At the same time, White punched R.W. in the head at least nine times and then lifted his head and slammed it into the pavement. The third officer did not participate in the physical assault. As a result of the excessive force used by White and King, R.W. sustained head injuries.
Response and Prosecution
The case drew significant attention due to the violation of civil rights involved in the incident. U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas emphasized the importance of holding law enforcement accountable when they violate the public’s trust. “This sentencing sends a strong message that law enforcement officers are not above the law,” said Fowlkes.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Little Rock Field Office, Arkansas State Police, and the ARKTrust Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Roberts and Devon Still from the Western District of Arkansas, along with Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer and Trial Attorney Lia Rettammel of the Civil Rights Division, prosecuted the case.
Upholding Accountability in Law Enforcement
This case highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure that law enforcement officers are held accountable for actions that violate the constitutional rights of individuals, especially in cases involving the use of excessive force. The U.S. Department of Justice remains committed to prosecuting cases where individuals’ civil rights are infringed upon by those in positions of power.
The sentences imposed on White and King demonstrate the serious consequences that can follow when officers act outside the bounds of their legal authority. Both deputies will serve time in federal prison and will be under supervised release following their incarceration.
