Pinckneyville Correctional Center acting lieutenant pleads guilty to depriving inmate of civil rights

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (KBSI) – A Pinckneyville Correctional Center acting lieutenant appeared in federal court Wednesday admitting he failed to intervene while his subordinates beat a restrained inmate.

Mark C. Maxwell, 52, of Pinckneyville faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of civil rights under color of law.

Maxwell was charged for standing by while two other correctional officers punched and kicked an inmate who was handcuffed and shackled in leg irons on April 24. 2022.

The victim suffered a fractured orbital socket, a partially collapsed lung, and needed 25 stitches to close cuts to his face.

Under federal law, officers have a duty to intervene if a fellow officer uses excessive force.

Cord A. Williams, 35, of Vergennes, Illinois, and Christian L. Pyles, 25, of Christopher, Illinois, were also charged in the same indictment as Maxwell.

They each pleaded guilty to violation of civil rights under color of law, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice.

The beating occurred to punish the inmate, because the inmate had previously punched a different correctional officer, according to court documents.

Maxwell’s sentencing is scheduled for February 21, 2023.

The Illinois State Police is leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft is prosecuting the case.