Troubling Allegations of Excessive Force by Louisiana Law Enforcement

Fri Oct 10 2025 19:45:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Shocking new footage reveals a severe beating of Jarius Brown, raising critical questions about accountability in policing as federal investigators take different views than local authorities.

A six-minute strip search at the DeSoto Parish Detention Center left Jarius Brown with serious injuries after he was beaten by sheriff's deputies. While an internal review deemed the deputies' actions indefensible, Louisiana State Police cleared them of wrongdoing, calling Brown the aggressor. Federal prosecutors, however, concluded otherwise, indicating a case of excessive force, highlighting the ongoing struggle against police misconduct in the region.

MANSFIELD, La. — A strip search that lasted just six minutes resulted in Jarius Brown sustaining a broken nose and a fractured eye socket after two sheriff's deputies at the DeSoto Parish Detention Center brutally assaulted him. Newly released footage documents the harrowing attack, showcasing the deputies delivering over 50 punches to the naked 25-year-old.

In the wake of the 2019 incident, one deputy resigned while the other was suspended. An internal investigation concluded that 'there was no way to defend' the deputies' actions. However, Louisiana State Police, after a lengthy period of review, proclaimed that these officers acted within protocol, labeling Brown as the aggressor, despite the graphic evidence contradicting this claim.

The shocking materials were recently brought to light as part of Brown’s civil lawsuit seeking damages for his injuries. At 32 years old, he has chosen to remain silent through his attorneys.

Historically, the Justice Department has acted as a safeguard in small communities against police misconduct but recent hesitations have led to concerns over its diminishing authority, particularly as President Trump's administration pushed back on civil rights enforcement.

According to Gary Evans, a former district attorney from DeSoto Parish, the case exemplifies a breakdown in the system that fails to protect citizens. “In communities like this, the federal government remains the only viable option for justice,” Evans said.

Brown's case is a disturbing part of a larger pattern of police misconduct in DeSoto Parish. Prior to the assault, another deputy was charged with malfeasance for excessive force after a separate incident. Similarly, a different deputy faced criminal charges resulting from abusive sexual behavior toward an arrestee.

While the Louisiana State Police asserted delays in their investigation were due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they maintained their commitment to thorough examinations and accountability.

Those investigating the incident now question how the state police could arrive at a conclusion that diverged sharply from federal findings. Experts on use of force criticized state investigations and expressed disbelief that any reasonable assessment of the evidence could deem the beating as justified.

Ultimately, former deputy Javarrea Pouncy pleaded guilty to utilizing excessive force and is currently serving a three-year federal prison term, while the other deputy, DeMarkes Grant, was found guilty of obstructing justice. Recent interviews reveal his distress over the consequences of his actions.

Brown, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia partly due to the trauma he experienced, is now struggling with severe anxiety and a fear of enclosed spaces. His father has expressed concern for Brown's mental well-being and the lasting effects of the assault on his life.

“My son can no longer function in society as he once did,” his father lamented. “He remains a shadow of the person he used to be.”