By AP/KWMU
St. Louis – Two former police officers from the St. Louis suburb of Velda City pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges in the beating of a jail inmate.
Former Velda City police Sergeant Lewis McGee and former detective Mark Winger both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the civil rights of a jailed man.
Authorities say on July 31st, Winger and McGee conspired to physically assault a man who was being detained at the Northwoods Police Department in suburban St. Louis.
While McGee held the victim on the ground with his foot, Winger struck the victim multiple times causing him bodily injury.
Both men then made false statements to a special FBI agent to cover up their roles in the conspiracy and assault.
Each defendant faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000.