Arkansas Civil Rights News

Former Jacksonville Police Officer Sentenced On Civil Rights Violations And Retaliation

United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a 33-year-old former Jacksonville police officer has been sentenced to 144 months in federal prison on charges of civil rights violations and retaliating against a witness.

LARRY PUGH, of Jacksonville, Texas, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Michael H. Schneider.

According to information presented in court, Pugh admitted that on two occasions in 2005, while serving as a Jacksonville police officer, he violated the civil rights of two women by forcing them to have sex with him while he was on duty and in uniform. In one case, he arrested the woman and later released her after she had sex with him. In the other case, Pugh offered the woman a courtesy ride, then took her to a trailer house where he had sex with her and then returned her to her neighborhood.

Pugh also admitted that he retaliated against one of the women for providing information to law enforcement officials. Specifically, he admitted that he confronted the woman, wrapped his belt around her neck, and attempted to drag her into his van. In doing so, the woman suffered physical injuries.

In the plea agreement, Pugh and the United States agreed that he should receive a sentence of 12 years' imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cherokee County District Attorney's and Sheriff's offices, and the Jacksonville Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan Jackson and Wes Rivers.

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