A former law enforcement officer from Arkansas has admitted guilt for violating the civil rights of a man he abused during a violent 2022 arrest captured on a now-viral video.
Admission of Guilt in Court
During a federal court hearing on Monday, Zackary King, the ex-Crawford County Sheriff’s Deputy, altered his plea to guilty. King confessed to depriving rights under color of law during the arrest of Randal Worcester outside a convenience store on August 21, 2022.
King, along with another former deputy named Levi White, was accused by federal prosecutors last year. A cellphone recording by a bystander captured the incident, which unfolded in the town of Mulberry, 140 miles northwest of Little Rock.
Deal with Prosecutors
As part of his plea agreement, King faces up to a year in prison and a 0,000 fine. In return, federal prosecutors consented to dismiss a felony charge of deprivation of rights against him. Additionally, he has agreed to cooperate with authorities in their investigations.
According to King’s attorney, Bill James, this plea deal allows King “to move on with his life and not be saddled with the possibility of a felony.”
Charges Against White and Riddle
White has entered a not guilty plea, and his trial is scheduled for next month. The trial for a third officer involved in the incident, Mulberry Police Officer Thell Riddle, has yet to be determined. Riddle was not charged in the federal case.
Victim’s Lawsuit
Worcester, the victim of the arrest, has filed a lawsuit against the three officers, the city of Mulberry, and Crawford County. The lawsuit is currently on hold pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Awaiting Trial
Worcester is slated to face trial in July for charges related to the incident, including battery and resisting arrest. He is accused of threatening a convenience store clerk in the nearby town of Alma and assaulting one of the deputies before the arrest.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
