Violent Arrest Sparks National Attention
Levi White, a former Crawford County sheriff’s deputy, has been sentenced to 63 months in a federal prison for violating the civil rights of a man during a violent arrest captured on video in August 2022. The arrest, which occurred in Mulberry, Arkansas, drew widespread attention after footage of the incident went viral.
Sentencing and Prison Assignment
U.S. District Judge Susan O. Hickey handed down the sentence on Wednesday, which includes time already served. White will serve his sentence at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, and is expected to receive medical counseling during his confinement. He will also be subject to two years of supervised release following his imprisonment.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
The arrest occurred on August 21, 2022, when White, along with another deputy, Zackary King, violently subdued Randal Worcester outside a convenience store. Video of the arrest showed White repeatedly punching Worcester and slamming his head onto the pavement while another officer held him down. White pleaded guilty in April 2023 to a felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
King, who also pleaded guilty, is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday. A third officer involved, Mulberry Police Officer Thell Riddle, was not charged in the federal case.
Incident Background and Legal Proceedings
Police reports indicate that Worcester had been questioned for allegedly threatening a convenience store clerk in Alma, Arkansas. During his arrest, he reportedly tackled and punched one of the deputies before being subdued. Worcester is set to stand trial in February on charges related to the arrest, including resisting arrest and second-degree battery.
Worcester has also filed a lawsuit against the three officers, the city of Mulberry, and Crawford County, which has been placed on hold pending the outcome of the criminal cases.
