From [HERE] A state Department of Juvenile Justice official has been sentenced to one year in federal prison after pleading guilty to ordering excessive force against two teenage inmates, authorities said Thursday.

The sentencing for Nicole Jenice Samples, a lieutenant with DJJ, comes nearly a year after she pleaded guilty to two counts of deprivation of civil rights. She was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, racist suspect in photo below.

Prior to her sentencing, Samples faced a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison on each (2) of the deprivation of rights under color of law charges, and 20 years in prison on the obstruction charge, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Samples also faces a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

in response to juveniles making noise, Samples ordered two of her subordinate correctional officers to apply mechanical restraints to two juveniles, directing that the leg restraints be connected to the hand restraints, a practice known as ‘hog-tying,’” according to a media release. 

The youths were left restrained for more than two hours. A surveillance camera captured the hog-tying, which is specifically banned under agency policy

“Samples oversaw the application of the hog-tie restraints as punishment, leaving the juveniles face down on their stomachs for over two hours.”

“Being entrusted with a position of power comes with both honor and responsibility. That responsibility must not be abused,” said U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon.

“Our office is committed to addressing any willful wrongdoing taking place in our state’s prisons and detention centers,” she added. “This conviction sends a message to those who choose to abuse their authority.”

Samples helped apply the restraints to at least one of the juveniles, federal prosecutors said.