Family seeks justice after DeSoto inmate beaten by officer

A family is speaking out after their loved one, Darion Hawkins, was reportedly beaten by a correctional officer while in custody. The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Hawkins was one of two inmates allegedly battered by Officer Luis Tovar, who was arrested last Wednesday and faces two charges of battery.

The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office released new video footage showing the arrest of a corrections deputy following an internal investigation into the use of force at the county jail. The investigation centered on how two inmates were treated.

"In an effort to remain transparent, I’ll be showing you a video here in a few minutes," said DeSoto County Sheriff James F. Potter.

"The video you’re about to watch at times can be graphic. It may invoke certain emotions where you become disappointed, sad or even angry." The video shows Detention Sergeant Luis Tovar using force against two inmates during an early morning shift on December 13.

WINK News reporter Haley Zarcone spoke exclusively with Hawkins' family, who expressed their overwhelming emotions after viewing the video of the incident. They questioned why the situation escalated so severely.

"I know my brother all my life, all my life," said Hawkins' sister. "In the video, it's literally he feels like he's going to be harmed."

The sheriff's office stated Hawkins was "not compliant." Soon after, Tovar's body camera was "dislodged," and security footage showed Hawkins being taken to the ground by Tovar and another employee. Hawkins was held down and punched repeatedly.

A family member said, "Nobody deserves to be treated that... we're not slaves."

The video also showed Hawkins being placed in a chair and hit again.

A family member questioned, "You put him in a chair, and you start punching him and telling him, Oh, stop resisting. How was he resisting?"

Following the investigation, Tovar was arrested on December 17 and charged with two counts of battery. The sheriff's office confirmed that Tovar's arrest was the result of a criminal investigation.

"What’s important to remember is that an arrest has been made and the investigation is still ongoing, both criminally and internally," said Potter.

Tovar has been fired, but Hawkins' family is determined to seek justice.

"He's in prison because he did something wrong," said a family member. "But he's not in there for them to be beating on him like that, as if he don't have no family outside of here that cares about him, because he does, and we will not stop until we get justice."

The family plans to hire an attorney to pursue the case further.

An excessive force expert, Ed Obayashi, reviewed the video and shared his thoughts.

"I've rarely seen an incident under these circumstances which reflect, you know, such an obvious case of excessive force against a handcuffed inmate. There's no apparent justification for this use of force," said Obayashi.

Officials emphasized that corrections staff are not above the law and will be held accountable when policies or laws are violated.

The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into the incident. WINK News will provide updates as more information becomes available.