Former Trooper Faces Up to 41 Months in Prison

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI) — A former highly decorated state trooper turns over his badge and admits he beat and stomped a women in the Lee County Jail more than five years ago.

During a federal court hearing today, former trooper Christopher Gary Hughes pleaded guilty to depriving the woman of her constitutional rights. As part of the plea deal, the 41-year-old faces between 33 and 41 months in prison when sentenced later this year.

In addition to giving up his law enforcement certificate and badge, Hughes agreed to testify truthfully in any other cases in which he might be called. Prosecutors agreed not to charge him in connection with at least two other cases where he’s been sued for assaulting people following traffic stops.

Those lawsuits say Hughes’ supervisors knew about Hughes’ propensity for violence and looked the other way. The lawsuit say that explains why it took so long for the case involving the woman to be prosecuted. During today’s hearing, prosecutors introduced jail video showing the assault and the woman’s injuries. She had to be treated several times for her injuries.