December 16, 2000, Saturday Metro Edition
Copyright 2000 Capital City Press
SATURDAY State-Times/Morning Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA.)
December 16, 2000, Saturday Metro Edition
(NEW ORLEANS) -- Two more New Orleans police officers have been put on desk duty in the investigation of a group of narcotics officers accused of using pliers during a rectal search of a drug suspect.
The FBI and the Police Department are conducting separate investigations, said Lt. Marlon Defillo, a police spokesman. Five other officers were reassigned last week when the allegations surfaced.
The Police Department is investigating possible criminal charges including aggravated battery and sexual battery. The FBI is looking into possible civil-rights violations, those agencies said.
Wilbert Thomas, 21, was bleeding from his rectum when he was brought to jail about 11 p.m. on Nov. 30, the Criminal Sheriff’s Office said. He was treated at a hospital and returned to jail, where he was booked with possession with intent to distribute several rocks of crack cocaine.
According to an arrest report, Thomas was stopped at a street corner after narcotics officers saw him involved in an alleged drug transaction.