MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) officer was sentenced to 15 months in prison Tuesday for writing a false report in an effort to cover up another officer’s use of excessive force on an inmate.
Sebron Hollands, 33, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and two years of supervised release for the false report, covering up a 2022 incident at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee.
He previously pled guilty to the offense on Oct. 2, 2023. His co-defendant, former TDOC tactical officer Javian Griffin, pled guilty on Oct. 11, 2023, to using excessive force against the inmate.
According to court documents, Hollands provided false information in his official report about Griffin’s use of unlawful force on an inmate. Hollands was present when Griffin, without justification, punched an inmate in the head, breaking the inmate’s jaw. The inmate did not resist or pose a threat justifying the use of force. Then, after the incident, Hollands provided false information in his official use of force report in order to obstruct the investigation of the incident.
"Our country’s commitment to protecting its citizens’ civil rights doesn’t end at the prison gates,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “The defendant in this case violated public trust and used his position of authority to make the entire facility – and the inmates in his care – less safe. This office’s National Security and Civil Rights Unit will continue to prioritize the prosecution of public employees who violate the civil rights of others."
The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated the case.
