WASHINGTON, DC - James Eakes, a former deputy jailer with the Fulton County Detention Center, faces a maximum of 10 years in prison after being convicted of assaulting an inmate with a dangerous weapon.

Eakes was indicted last August after an inmate reported that the deputy came into his cell and tased him mulitple times. The imate, who showed no aggression after the initial tasing, was subsequently tased two more times.  The initial encounter between Eakes and the inmate happened because the inmate was cursing at Eakes through the bars.

The FBI conducted the investigation into the claim. Evidence and testimony proved those allegeations to be true. “The Department of Justice does not tolerate any physical abuse of inmates, especially by a correctional officer entrusted to their care,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to uphold the Constitution and obtain justice for the victims of civil rights abuses.”

Eakes faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and sentencing is set for August 30.