Mahoning Deputy Sheriff Convicted In Prison Beating of Black Men

Unlike Michael Budd's cliffhanger first trial, a jury took less than eight hours to find the ex-Mahoning County deputy sheriff guilty of violating the civil rights of three jail inmates. Budd, flanked by his defense lawyers, stood erect and stared straight ahead when the jury filed in on his right and the foreman handed the verdict envelope to U.S. District Judge Lesley Brooks Wells at 3:35 p.m. Thursday. As the judge read the verdicts, guilty on all three civil rights counts, Budd showed no emotion. In the gallery, Budd's mother held her left hand over her mouth. His wife fought back tears. The jury of nine women and three men concluded Budd: Deprived inmate Tawhon Easterly of his right to be free from excessive force that amounted to punishment in 2001. Budd directed deputies who had already beaten Easterly once for punching a female guard to beat him again and drag him naked back to his cell. Deprived inmate Brandon Moore of his right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment in 2002. Budd slammed Moore into a window and stepped on his back after the prisoner was sentenced for rape. Deprived inmate Stephen Blazo of his right to be free from excessive force that amounted to punishment in 2000. Budd yanked Blazo's ear and pushed a 150-pound table into the inmate during an interview at the jail. Judge Wells set sentencing for July 7. [more]