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Acting United States Attorney Lawrence J. Laurenzi
Western District of Tennessee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.usdoj.gov/usao/tnw
CONTACT: LEIGH ANNE JORDON
PHONE: (901) 544-4231
FAX: (901) 544-4230
FORMER MEMPHIS POLICE OFFICER INDICTED ON CIVIL RIGHTS CHARGES
WASHINGTON - Bridges McRae, former Memphis Police Department law enforcement officer, was indicted yesterday on one count of deprivation of rights under color of law announced Lawrence J. Laurenzi, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, My Harrison, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Memphis Division, and Larry Godwin, Director of the Memphis Police Department. If convicted, McRae faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.
The indictment, unsealed today, alleges that on February 12, 2008, McRae exercised unreasonable force, used a dangerous weapon, and caused bodily injury to a person in his custody. According to the indictment, McRae was on duty in the intake area of the Shelby County Jail when he repeatedly struck the victim with his fist and handcuffs.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Memphis Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Jonathan Skrmetti, Trial Attorney for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Steve Parker, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
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