Two Arkansas Sheriff’s Deputies Plead Guilty to Excessive Force in Arrest
Former Crawford County Sheriff’s Deputies Zackary King and Levi White pleaded guilty to violating a man’s federal civil rights for using excessive force on Randal Ray Worcester II on August 21, 2022.
The incident involved Worcester, who initially cooperated but allegedly lunged at White, leading to a physical altercation. Worcester was subdued, yet King kneed him in the legs, kicked his back, and punched him. White punched Worcester numerous times in the head and slammed his head into the pavement. The deputies then took Worcester, who had visible injuries, to jail.
King, realizing the incident was recorded, did a factory reset on his phone, which violated agency policy. Both deputies agreed to never work in law enforcement again. Videos of the incident went viral, resulting in their termination. The sentencing date for the two former deputies is pending. White faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while King faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Worcester filed a $75,000 federal civil rights lawsuit against the deputies.
FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder stated, “Disgraceful actions, like those of the two Crawford County sheriff’s deputies, negatively impact all members of Arkansas law enforcement. A gun and badge do not give someone the right to ignore the Constitution.”