MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) officer was sentenced on Monday, May 6, 2024, for using excessive force on an inmate and trying to cover it up.
Javian Griffin, 38, was sentenced to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release for using excessive force against an inmate and writing a false report to cover it up, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
He previously pled guilty to the offense on Oct. 11, 2023. His co-defendant, former TDOC tactical officer Sebron Hollands, pleaded guilty on Oct. 2, 2023, for writing a false report. Hollands was sentenced to 15 months in prison in February.
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, according to the DOJ.
“No correctional officer is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “The defendant assaulted an inmate and then tried to cover it up. 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.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said the sentence sends a message.
"The Justice Department will hold accountable any official inside our jails and prisons who violates an inmate’s civil rights," she said.
