Four officers at jail are suspended

An inmate allegedly beaten by four police officers in the Clark County Detention Center had exhibited aggressive behavior several times in the past, an administrator said today.

The four officers have been suspended with pay, pending an investigation.

Capt. Henry Hoogland said officers at the jail have had concerns about the behavior of Gregory DeFour, 19, since he was jailed in November.

"The inmate had been moved to three or four different cells," Hoogland said. "We are working with a social worker to get a handle on his behavior."

Those suspended were a sergeant with 20 years of experience and three officers.

Hoogland said today the sergeant allegedly used excessive and inappropriate force on DeFour, according to witnesses who include both other officers and inmates. The three officers are being investigated for allegedly not intervening, Hoogland said.

"We expect better from our officers," Hoogland said of the accusations. "My feeling is that the vast majority of officers do a good job under very adverse conditions."

Hoogland said the detention center as of today has 1,754 inmates. There are only 1,488 beds available. He said the center has also been able to house an additional 600 inmates by renting beds from the city.

Hoogland said the incident occurred when DeFour began throwing and painting on his cell walls with human feces. He said he expects the investigation to be wrapped up either today or by Monday. The officers, if found guilty, could be terminated or face internal reprimands.

DeFour is presently facing seven charges of sex acts or lewd behavior with a minor.

archive