LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville Metro Police Department officer facing federal charges stemming from last summer's protests, has been served with pre-termination paperwork from LMPD.
What You Need To Know
- An LMPD officer is facing federal charges and termination from LMPD
- The court documents state officer Cory Evans struck a protester with a riot stick while they were "kneeling with hands in the air, surrending for arrest"
- Evans is charged with deprivation of rights under color of law, according to the document
- He could face up to 10 years in prison
Federal court documents released Wednesday state that on May 31, 2020, officer Cory Evans struck a protester, M.C., in the back of the head with a riot stick while they were "kneeling with hands in the air, surrendering for arrest."
LMPD announced in an email statement to Spectrum News 1 that Evans received his termination letter Thursday. Evans is charged with deprivation of rights under color of law, according to the federal document.
In a statement sent to Spectrum News 1, LMPD wrote, "The Chief’s office immediately referred these allegations to federal authorities when they came to light. Internal investigations were stayed in deference of the federal investigations, and Officer Evans was placed on administrative reassignment. The federal investigations resulted in Evans’ indictment yesterday. Officer Cory Evans was served with pre-termination paperwork today. Beyond that, we would refer you to the U.S. Attorney for details. "
The document states Evans "willfully deprived arrestee M.C. of the right, secured and protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States, to be free of an unreasonable seizure, which includes the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a law enforcement officer."
In an email sent to Spectrum News 1 on Thursday, Evans' attorney Brian Butler said he cannot comment at this time.
Evans was hired as a police recruit with LMPD on September 22, 2014 and was promoted to police officer on March 12, 2015. LMPD provided Spectrum News 1 with copies of commendations and Evans' disciplinary reports. In the seven years he hs been with the force Evans has been praised 12 times and has received 6 letters initiating investigations by LMPD's professional standards unit six times. Evans was also cited three times for being at fault in accidents.
Evans could face up to 10 years in prison.