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.
E-mail this story
Printer-friendly version
Comments
Perspective (anonymous) says...
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.--
April 9, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DYMO400 (anonymous) says...
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.
April 9, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
Good to know that there's one honest cop out there. This does not imply that there are not many others!!!
April 9, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
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.
April 9, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
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!
April 9, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by signing up!
Full terms and conditions can be read here.