Skip to main content

This is archived content from the U.S. Department of Justice website. The information here may be outdated and links may no longer function. Please contact webmaster@usdoj.gov if you have any questions about the archive site.

Press Release

Former Lake Charles Police Officer Indicted for Using Excessive Force

For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs

Robert Hammac, 44, a former officer of the Lake Charles Police Department, was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Lafayette, Louisiana, for using excessive force against an arrestee, announced Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana. 

The indictment charges Hammac with a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. The indictment alleges that on May 8, 2017, Hammac assaulted G.T., an arrestee, using a Taser and resulting in bodily injury to G.T. 

If convicted, Hammac faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. 

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The FBI conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jamilla Bynog of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

Updated February 5, 2025
Topic
Civil Rights
Components
Civil Rights Division
USAO - Louisiana, Western
Press Release Number: 19-363

Related Content

Press Release
Justice Department Secures Agreement with North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections to Improve Communication Access for Incarcerated People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The Justice Department today secured an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections (NCDAC) to ensure that incarcerated individuals with hearing disabilities are provided effective communication and the...

Press Release
Justice Department Opens Investigation into California Environmental Protection Agency for Discriminatory Employment Practices

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into the California Environmental Protection Agency (CAL EPA), including the California Air Resources Board (CARB), to determine whether it may...

Press Release
Two Self-Professed Religious Leaders Who Used Physical and Psychological Abuse to Coerce Victims to Solicit Tens of Millions in Donations Federally Charged and Arrested

A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a ten-count indictment against two defendants for their alleged roles in a forced labor and money laundering conspiracy that...