Former Daleville Police Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Violation for Using Excessive Force

A former sergeant with the Daleville Police Department in Alabama, Ryan Phillips, has pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of an arrestee by using excessive force, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.

The incident occurred when Phillips, acting under the color of law, assaulted an arrestee identified as D.M. inside a jail cell. According to court documents, after a verbal altercation, Phillips removed his badge and firearm, entered D.M.’s cell, and violently struck him in the face and upper body multiple times. The assault resulted in bodily injuries, including lacerations and bruising. Phillips admitted in his plea that his actions were unjustified and without any legitimate law enforcement purpose.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division condemned Phillips' actions, stating, “When police officers violate the law and abuse their power, it erodes the community’s trust in law enforcement. The Justice Department is committed to protecting the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, including those who are incarcerated.”

U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama emphasized that while police officers are granted authority to maintain law and order, that authority has limits. “This type of excessive force cannot be tolerated,” Ross said, adding that accountability is essential to preserving the reputation of law enforcement officers who serve honorably.

The FBI’s Mobile Field Office led the investigation, with Acting Assistant Director Jodi Cohen of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division remarking on the betrayal of public trust by Phillips. “Law enforcement officers take an oath to protect and serve all people, and Phillips betrayed that trust,” Cohen said.

Phillips now faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date, where a federal district court judge will determine his sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney MarLa Duncan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama.

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