FORMER JACKSON MISSISSIPPI POLICE OFFICER INDICTED ON CIVIL RIGHTS-RELATED CHARGES

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The Justice Department today announced the unsealing of an indictment against a former Jackson, Mississippi police officer. The indictment alleges that on September 19, 1999, Marceo Simmons abused his power as a police officer to sexually assault a woman in his custody. According to the indictment, the woman suffered injuries as a result of the assault.

The charges against Simmons carry a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by attorneys from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

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