Ex-deputy enters guilty plea
A former Charleston County sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to using excessive force during an arrest last year. He was accused of kicking a suspect twice after the man was subdued.
A fellow deputy reported that Christopher M. Lanoue, 25, kicked Joseph Jefferson in the neck and head area on June 21 after Jefferson was handcuffed, said Brent Gray, deputy chief of the criminal section of the civil rights division of the U.S. Department of Justice. A police surveillance video captured the incident.
Jefferson "was compliant on the ground," the prosecutor said. "It's a civil rights violation under the Fourth Amendment."
Lanoue faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced in several weeks after a pre-sentencing investigation, Gray said.
Gray said Jefferson was arrested after a hit-and-run accident and police chase in West Ashley. He said Jefferson suffered pain from the kicks, but he was not injured.
Lanoue was fired. In documents the Sheriff's Office filed with the state about his termination, he was accused of being publicly drunk and mooning beachgoers on Folly Beach just weeks before the excessive-force incident.
He was on sick leave the day of the Folly Beach incident.
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Comments
This article has 5 comment(s)
Posted by Perspective on April 9, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Isn't funny that all the people who hate cops are no where to be found with the opportunity to comment on this guy being turned in by his fellow deputy.
This "fellow deputy" isn't named in this article, but he should be commended for doing the right thing.
--If you don't like the cops we have then Somolia is the place for you.--
Posted by DYMO400 on April 9, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Having known Mr. Lanoue for some time now, this is no shock. He is a arrogant man, an arrogant cop, and has no respect for others. Hope he can do the time, he deserves it. Thanks fellow deputy for bringing this to light last year.
Posted by CHRISJIII on April 9, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good to know that there's one honest cop out there. This does not imply that there are not many others!!!
Posted by abitskeptical on April 9, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I cannot speak for all who've offered criticism on some issues regarding law enforcement, government etc., but,
I do not hate cops or government.
My nephew is a sheriff's deputy & I respect the work that he does.
What I do hate is abuse of power & authority by those to whom it specifically has been entrusted. What I do hate is hypocrisy in those who have sworn to uphold the law & defend the constitution.
What I do hate is a complacency within the system about the misconduct & lies that come forth from those who have sought out professions & work where allegiance to the law & constitution has been sworn, those to whom much power, responsibility & authority has been granted such as law enforcement,officers of the court-the lawyers, the judiciary, elected officials.
Posted by outrage on April 9, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas1776 - Federal civil rights violation!
Thomas1776-"Note: More cops are going to end up on the wrong side of the law as more investigations continue."
What a genius you are!