A former Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) officer, Samuel Thomas, pleaded guilty to a civil rights violation for his role in a conspiracy to assault an inmate at a Rusk, Texas facility on February 25, 2025.
Thomas admitted that while on duty, he opened inmate M.S.'s cell door, allowing other conspiracy members to strike and injure M.S. This act was in retaliation for M.S. spitting on Thomas two days earlier, resulting in bodily injury to the inmate.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said, “This former corrections officer engaged in a conspiracy to beat and injure a man in his care and custody. Today’s conviction reinforces the Justice Department’s commitment to protect victims from state officials who abuse their power.” U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas added, “Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that corruption by those entrusted with public safety will not be tolerated.”
Thomas entered his guilty plea on May 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, with a sentencing date yet to be scheduled. The FBI Dallas Field Office, Tyler Resident Agency, investigated the case.