MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former Memphis Police officer was sentenced to 18 months in prison and one year of supervised release Thursday, August 31, for violating a man's civil rights by using "excessive force" against him in 2021.
According to the defendant’s admissions, Armando Bustamante was working as an MPD officer in January 2021. While on duty, Bustamante struck a man in the head using his service weapon and his hands without legal justification. Bustamante’s assault injured the man.
“This former Memphis police officer abused his authority by violently assaulting a man without basis,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Officers who willfully use excessive force without basis are not above the law and will be held accountable.”
The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated the case.
“The United States cares deeply about violations of civil rights, here in Memphis and throughout America,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “The overwhelming majority of police officers do their jobs honorably and lawfully. As this case shows, we will not hesitate to hold those who violate civil rights laws to account.”
Bustamante faced a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release.
“Today’s sentencing highlights that law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and deny an individual their civil rights will be held accountable,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our partners will continue working together to uncover any violation of civil rights and pursue justice for victims in these cases.”