BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A former Alabama prison guard was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for assaulting inmates and then lying to cover up his crimes.

Mohammad Shahid Jenkins, 52, a former Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) lieutenant, was sentenced for using excessive force on an inmate and lying in an official report to cover up his abuse. He previously pleaded guilty to these offenses on Sept. 12.

According to Stacy Crane, Public Information Officer for the U.S. Attorney Northern District of Alabama, Jenkins repeatedly assaulted an inmate in an isolated location of the prison over the course of five minutes. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “Jenkins abused his position of power to commit an egregious assault on a restrained inmate.” U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama added, “The physical abuse of prisoners in violation of the Constitution threatens the safety of the entire institution, officers, and inmates alike.”

Court documents and evidence introduced at sentencing revealed that Jenkins used excessive force on an inmate named V.R. on Feb. 16, 2022. He also admitted to using unlawful force on another inmate on a separate occasion at the Donaldson Correctional Facility. According to the plea agreement, Jenkins willfully deprived the inmates of their right to be free from excessive force.

The FBI Birmingham Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

Jenkins’ conduct led to his sentencing of 87 months in federal prison, where he will also serve three years of supervised release. He is being held accountable for his actions, marking a strong message that the FBI remains committed to protecting the civil rights of all people, including those in prison custody.