Former St. Bernard Parish Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Violating the Civil Rights of an Inmate Resulting in Her Death

Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore and U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser today announced that former St. Bernard Parish correctional officer Timothy Williams pled guilty to violating the civil rights of inmate Nimali Henry, who died in the St. Bernard Parish Prison on April 1, 2014.

In pleading guilty, Williams admitted that Ms. Henry died as a result of his intentional deprivation of her constitutional right to be free from a correctional officer’s deliberate indifference to her serious medical needs. Williams acknowledged that he willfully disregarded a substantial risk of serious harm to Henry’s health and safety by failing to take reasonable measures to address her medical conditions.

“Williams deliberately deprived the victim of necessary medical attention, resulting in her death,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “Williams admittedly violated federal law and his sworn duty as a corrections officer to adequately care for and protect the constitutional rights of an inmate under his supervision.”

“Today’s conviction demonstrates DOJ’s commitment to hold accountable those individuals entrusted to protecting the rights of all citizens, including inmates,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser.  “It is extremely important that our office, along with our law enforcement partners, continue to vigorously protect the rights of all citizens within the Eastern District and seek justice for those subjugated by civil rights violations.”

Sentencing is set before the Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle on Jan. 16, 2019.  Williams faces a sentence of up to life imprisonment.

The FBI investigated this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey N. Knight and Chandra Menon and Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.