LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A federal grand jury in Louisville has indicted three Kentucky State Police troopers, including one former officer, for using excessive force against multiple individuals over the past four years. The charges, which include allegations of physical abuse and perjury, highlight ongoing concerns about police conduct and accountability in the state.
The indictment charges former trooper Thomas Czartorski, along with current troopers Jarrod Lewis and James Cameron Wright, for incidents involving the use of unreasonable force between 2020 and 2024. In total, four victims are named in the federal charges, which include stomping, kicking, and tasing individuals without legal justification.
According to the indictment, on March 5, 2020, Czartorski, 34, and Lewis, 29, allegedly attacked a person identified as “Victim 1” by stomping and kicking them in the back, feet, head, and shoulders. Wright, 30, is also accused of using excessive force on the same victim, kicking them in the head, torso, and shoulders during the same incident. The charges claim none of the officers had lawful reason to use such force.
In a separate 2020 incident, Czartorski allegedly struck another individual, “Victim 2,” in the legs and torso with a flashlight. This event was previously part of a state-level case in which Czartorski pleaded guilty to perjury in 2023. The perjury charges stemmed from his testimony that he had not used force during the arrest. However, security footage contradicted his account, leading to his conviction and subsequent removal from the military after 17 years of service.
Further allegations against Wright include tasing “Victim 3” on March 12, 2024, without justification. Additionally, Wright faces perjury charges related to his testimony about an April 9, 2020, arrest involving “Victim 4.” Wright allegedly lied under oath, denying that he had used excessive force during the arrest, when in fact, he had struck the individual with his fist or elbow.
The three officers are scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Louisville on April 3 to face the charges. These indictments mark a significant step in holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions and addressing concerns about police brutality.
Czartorski’s previous conviction for perjury led to his sentence of three years of diversion, meaning he avoided prison time but was prohibited from returning to law enforcement. His criminal record also includes the loss of his military career, and he remains banned from seeking future employment in the field.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of police violence and accountability, with federal authorities taking action to address the alleged misconduct within the Kentucky State Police.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case is expected to spark further discussions about law enforcement practices, especially regarding the use of force and the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions.
