Iberia Parish Sheriff, Lt. Col. Indicted For Inmate Beatings Conspiracy

More indictments have arisen in an investigation into the mistreatment of inmates at the Iberia Parish Jail, but this time, the charges go all the way to the top brass.

Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal and Lt. Col. Gerald Savoy have been indicted for their part in a conspiracy involving the beatings of five pre-trial detainees.

The U.S. Justice Department announced the indictments via press release Wednesday afternoon.

The indictment alleges that the two law enforcement leaders conspired with each other, and the officers involved, to assault five inmates identified only by their initials.

Ackal has been charged with one count of conspiracy against rights and two counts of deprivation of rights under color of the law.

Savoy has been charged with one count each of conspiracy against rights and deprivation of rights under color of the law.

A total of eight officers have pleaded guilty so far in this case. Their names and titles are as follows:

Wesley Hayes, former warden
Jesse Hayes, former assistant warden
Bret Broussard, former lieutenant within the narcotics unit
Wade Bergeron, former narcotics agent
Jason Comeaux, former narcotics agent
David Hines, former narcotics agent
Byron Benjamin LaSalle, former narcotics agent
Robert Burns, K-9 handler

If convicted, Ackal and Savoy each face up to 10 years in prison for each civil rights violation. Each count may hold up to a $250,000 fine, as well.--