2 deputy jailers indicted for assault of handcuffed inmate

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Two Shelby County deputies face indictments after allegedly assaulting an inmate, District Attorney Steve Mulroy announced Tuesday.

Deputy jailers Reginald Wilkins and Odell Underwood face charges of official oppression, official misconduct and simple assault.

On Tuesday, Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner condemned the alleged behavior.

“When I believe an officer is right, I will stand by them,” said Sheriff Bonner. “However, when I believe they are wrong, I will be the first to say and to try to hold them accountable to the full extent of the law.”

The charges stem from an incident involving Damion Ramirez, an inmate at 201 Poplar.

Mulroy says earlier in the day, Ramirez assaulted a deputy jailer. He was then being treated after getting pepper sprayed and was handcuffed when Wilkins and Underwood allegedly assaulted him.

“And was being taken to the medical facility inside of the jail for treatment, and at that location, we allege that without justification, the two officers assaulted Mr. Florez Ramirez,” said Mulroy.

Both deputy jailers are relieved of duty without pay. Sheriff Floyd Bonner says both deputy jailers have been with Shelby County Sheriff’s Office for more than 15 years.

“The officers have not upheld the honor and integrity of our badge and duty,” Sheriff Bonner said. “And they do not represent the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.”

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