Former TN corrections officer sentenced for excessive force on inmate

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former Tennessee Department of Corrections tactical officer was sentenced on Monday for using excessive force on an inmate and writing a false report in an attempt to cover it up.

Javian Griffin, 38, pleaded guilty to the offense in October of 2023. On Monday, he was sentenced to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release, according to the Department of Justice.

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According to court documents, Griffin, without justification, punched an inmate in the head, breaking the inmate’s jaw. Documents say that the inmate did not pose a threat or resist, making the actions of the officer unjustifiable.

After the incident, Griffin wrote a false report to cover up the assault. His co-defendant, Sebron Hollands, assisted with the cover-up by providing false information in a report in order to obstruct the investigation of the incident.

Former TN corrections officer sentenced for covering up excessive force

Sebron Hollands also pleaded guilty in October of 2023 for writing a false report. He was sentenced in February to 15 months in prison and two years of supervised released.

The officers worked at Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee.

“No correctional officer is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “The defendant assaulted an inmate and then tried to cover it up. This office’s National Security and Civil Rights Unit will continue to prioritize the prosecution of public employees who violate the civil rights of others.”

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