Former Louisiana State Police Trooper indicted for federal civil rights violation

MONROE, LA — A former Louisiana State Trooper was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for using excessive force against a Monroe man.

The indictment charges Jacob Brown with a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law. Specifically, the indictment alleges that on May 30, 2019, Brown assaulted Aaron Bowman, identified in the indictment only as A.B., by repeatedly striking him in the head and body with a dangerous weapon (a flashlight modified with a metal tactical cap designed for breaking glass). The indictment further alleges that the incident resulted in bodily injury to A.B.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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An investigation into Brown began in October 2020 weeks after a civil lawsuit was filed. The lawsuit alleged that Bowman was pulled from his vehicle after a traffic stop and beaten by multiple law enforcement officers.

Bowman alleged he suffered from multiple injuries, including broking broken ribs, a fractured arm, and laceration to his head. He subsequently received medical treatment at St. Francis Medical Center and Glenwood Medical Center.

Aaron Larry Bowman cries during an interview at his attorney's office in Monroe, La., Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, as he discusses his injuries resulting from a Louisiana State trooper pummeling him with a flashlight during a traffic stop in 2019. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) ORG XMIT: LARS101
Aaron Larry Bowman cries during an interview at his attorney's office in Monroe, La., Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, as he discusses his injuries resulting from a Louisiana State trooper pummeling him with a flashlight during a traffic stop in 2019. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) ORG XMIT: LARS101

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Brown also faces state charges in two other violent arrests of Black motorists, including one he boasted about last year in a group chat with other troopers, saying the suspect is “gonna be sore” and “it warms my heart knowing we could educate that young man.”

If convicted of the deprivation of rights charges, Brown could face a minimum of 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook of the Western District of Louisiana and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division announced the indictment Thursday.

The United States Attorney's Office currently has open and ongoing criminal investigations into incidents involving Louisiana State Police that resulted in death or bodily injury to arrestees. The investigations remain ongoing.

Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter. The Associated Press also contributed to this report

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Former LSP Trooper Jacob Brown indicted for assaulting Aaron Bowman