Tue, Jun 9th, 2020 - 5:12pm
December 15, 2021 - 1:23pm | By Kyle Cornell
(Minneapolis, MN) -- The Justice Department announced Wednesday that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvinpleaded changed his plea to guilty in federal court to two violations of a federal civil rights statute.
First, Chauvin pleaded guilty to willfully depriving, while acting under color of law, George Floyd of his constitutional rights, resulting in George Floyd’s bodily injury and death. Chauvin also agreed that the appropriate sentencing base offense level for this crime is second-degree murder because he used unreasonable and excessive force that resulted in Floyd’s death, and he acted willfully and in callous and wanton disregard of the consequences to Floyd’s life.
Second, Chauvin pleaded guilty to willfully depriving, while acting under color of law, a then 14-year-old juvenile of his constitutional rights, resulting in the juvenile’s bodily injury.
“Defendant Chauvin has pleaded guilty to two federal civil rights violations, one of which led to the tragic loss of George Floyd’s life,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “While recognizing that nothing can repair the harm caused by such acts, the Justice Department is committed to holding accountable those who violate the Constitution, and to safeguarding the civil rights of all Americans.”
The former officer will be sentenced at a hearing to be scheduled at a later date. According to the plea agreement, Chauvin faces a sentence of between 20 and 25 years additionally in prison.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Chauvin will serve his sentence in federal custody and will not be eligible to work in any law enforcement capacity following his release.
You can read the full plea agreement here.
