Former Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Charge

Court Alerts

Shannon Houchin, a former police officer with the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office in West Memphis, Ark., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Little Rock to a felony civil rights charge.

During his guilty plea, Houchin admitted that he abused his authority as a police officer when, in May 2006, he unnecessarily assaulted an arrestee while at the Crittenden County Detention Facility.

Houchin faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

“It is unacceptable for law enforcement officials to willfully abuse those committed to their custody,” said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The overwhelming majority of correctional officers dispatch their difficult duties with honor and professionalism. The Justice Department will aggressively prosecute those who cross the line and violate federal law.”

The Civil Rights Division is committed to the vigorous enforcement of every federal criminal civil rights statute, such as laws that prohibit the willful use of excessive force or other acts of misconduct by law enforcement officials. In fiscal year 2006, nearly 50 percent of the cases brought by the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division involved such prosecutions. Since fiscal year 2001, the Division has convicted 50 percent more defendants for excessive force and official misconduct than in the preceding six years.

Today’s plea resulted from the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Civil Rights Division attorneys Christine Dunn and Karen Ruckert handled the case for the Justice Department.

Related listings

  • Ga. Supreme Court Hears Teen Sex Case

    Ga. Supreme Court Hears Teen Sex Case

    Court Alerts 07/20/2007

    [##_1L|1180857327.jpg|width="127" height="85" alt=""|_##]The Georgia Supreme Court heard arguments Friday morning on a pair of appeals in the closely watched Genarlow Wilson case, though no ruling was expected immediately. The courtroom was packed fo...

  • 'Mortal Kombat' Developer Faces Class Action Suit

    'Mortal Kombat' Developer Faces Class Action Suit

    Court Alerts 07/19/2007

    [##_1L|1163897928.jpg|width="130" height="90" alt=""|_##]Investors are suing Chicago-based Midway Games, Inc., alleging insider trading and misleading stockholders about prospects for the company's shares between August 2005 and May 2006.  Midwa...

  • Teen pleads guilty in drug cartel case

    Teen pleads guilty in drug cartel case

    Court Alerts 07/19/2007

    [##_1L|1262051783.jpg|width="120" height="88" alt=""|_##]A 17-year-old who prosecutors accuse of being a hit man for the Mexican Gulf Cartel pleaded guilty to felony murder Thursday, bringing an abrupt end to a trial that partially exposed organized ...

New York Commercial Litigation Law Firm - Woods Lonergan PLLC

Founded in 1993 by Managing Partner James F. Woods, Woods Lonergan PLLC has built a strong reputation as a resourceful and industrious firm that provides clients with clear, concise, and straightforward answers to their most challenging legal issues. Partner Lawrence R. Lonergan, who joined the firm in 2008, has been a friend and colleague to Mr. Woods for over 40 years and shares the same business philosophy. Woods Lonergan PLLC’s collective experience and expertise enables the firm to expeditiously and effectively analyze the increasing challenges clients face in an evolving business and legal world, in many instances, avoiding unnecessary time and expense to our clients. Our mission is simple: provide cutting-edge expertise and sound advice in select areas of the law for corporate and business clients. We thrive on providing each client with personalized attention, forceful representation, and a collaborative team effort that embraces collective knowledge.

Business News

New York & New Jersey Family Law Matters We represent our clients in all types of proceedings that include termination of parental rights. >> read