FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          CR
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1997                        (202) 616-2777
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

                                 
     FEDERAL CORRECTIONS OFFICER INDICTED FOR ABUSING INMATE


     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A former Bureau of Prisons guard who
allegedly punched and kicked a handcuffed inmate was indicted
today for violating federal civil rights law, the Justice
Department announced.

     Today's indictment, in U.S. District Court in Denver,
alleged that Stephen Mills, while employed as a corrections
officer at the Federal Corrections Complex in Florence (FCC-Florence), 
beat inmate Fred Davis.  The February 15, 1996,
incident occurred after Davis had been subdued and was lying with
his face down and his hands cuffed behind his back.

     "Most corrections officers are decent, hard working
individuals who are dedicated to protecting the public," said
Isabelle Katz Pinzler, Acting Assistant Attorney General for
Civil Rights.  "But we will not hesitate to prosecute those who
boldly cross the line and intentionally inflict harm."

     The incident occurred after Davis, the inmate, resisted
guards who were attempting to transport him to another unit at
the prison.  After he had been subdued and handcuffed Mills
proceeded to kick and punch Davis.  Davis was treated at the
prison infirmary.

     Mills was charged with one felony count of using excessive
force while acting under the color of law.  If convicted he faces
up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

     An indictment is merely an accusation.  The defendant is
presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt.
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