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Department of Justice Seal
David Yager, 29, pleaded guilty July 12 in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas to violating a detainee’s civil rights by using excessive force against him. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston for the Eastern District of Texas; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno of the FBI Dallas Field Division made the announcement.
During the plea hearing, Yager admitted that on or about Feb. 28, 2021, while he was acting as a sergeant in the jail at the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, he repeatedly punched a restrained detainee in the chest with a taser, which he also deployed on the detainee. Yager admitted that the detainee was confined to a restraint chair at the time. Yager also admitted that his acts caused bodily injury to the detainee, and that he used force on the detainee despite knowing that there was no legitimate, law enforcement need to use force. Yager admitted that he hit the detainee out of anger.
“Law enforcement officers who violate the law erode confidence in the rule that we hold so dear to our democratic way of life,” said U.S. Attorney Featherston. “Specifically, those officials who violate a citizen’s civil rights will be held accountable for their improper violent actions. We must expect and require officers to act professionally. Simply put, the failure to do so will not be tolerated.”
With his guilty plea and pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, the defendant faces a 42-month prison sentence. A sentencing date will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
July 6, Steven “Craig” Shelton, 61, pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Texas to violating an arrestee’s civil rights by using excessive force against him.
During the plea hearing, Shelton admitted that on or about Sept. 21, 2021, while he was acting as the Chief Deputy and second-in-command of the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, he repeatedly struck a handcuffed and compliant arrestee in the face. Shelton further admitted that his acts, which occurred in front of several other officers in the Rolling Oaks area of Wills Point, Texas, caused bodily injury to the arrestee. Shelton admittedly hit the arrestee out of frustration, despite knowing that there was no legitimate, law enforcement need to use force.
With his guilty plea and pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, Shelton faces a 44-month prison sentence.