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| Officer convicted of civil rights violation |
| By WJXT-TV |
| Published: 01/22/2009 |
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FLORIDA - A federal jury has found a former corrections officer at the Florida State Prison guilty of assaulting an inmate more than three years ago. Paul Tillis was convicted on Friday of a federal civil rights violation. Prosecutors said that on Aug. 14, 2005, Tillis poured a bottle of scalding water on an inmate's chest. Tillis was a supervisory corrections officer at the prison in Raiford at the time. During his shift, one of the inmates in his custody acted like he was hurt by lying on the floor of his cell. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Tillis reacted by filling a bottle with near-boiling water from a dispenser, and pouring it on the inmate. Prosecutors said the inmate suffered second-degree burns on his chest, and that Tillis also failed to arrange medical treatment for the inmate. "It is important that corrections officers realize they may not use their positions of authority to inflict physical harm on inmates as punishment," said Loretta King, acting assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "While the vast majority of law enforcement officers carry out their difficult duties in a lawful and professional manner, the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute those who cross the line and commit this type of unlawful act." Tillis could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not yet been set. |
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