PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. (WJPF) – Three correctional officers at the Pinckneyville Correctional Center have been indicted on federal charges of civil rights violation and then conspiring to cover up the incident.

Christian Pyles, 25, and  Cord Williams, 35, are accused of beating an inmate who had their hands cuffed behind their back and their legs shackled.  They’re also accused of colluding with other correctional officer at the facility to file false reports about the incident.  Both Pyles and Williams face charges of violation of civil rights under color of law, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. 

Mark Maxwell, 52, has also been charged with a civil rights violation.  Federal prosecutors say Maxwell was a supervisor over Pyles and Williams and failed to intervene, allowing the inmate to be beaten in his presence.  

Deprivation of civil rights under color of law is punishable by up to 10 years in  prison.  Conspiracy to obstruct justice is punishable by up to 5 years. Obstruction of justice is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Each count also carries a possible fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release.

The alleged incident happened on April 24, 2022.