05/28/2008

Associated Press

A former Clay County sheriff's deputy was charged Tuesday with violating a defendant's civil rights by using unreasonable force during an arrest.

Donald A. Devens, 59, of Smithville, was also charged with obstruction of justice, said John F. Wood, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri.

Devens waived his right to a grand jury and was charged in the two-count information. He was a Clay County deputy for four years before resigning in 2005.

The federal charges stem from an Aug. 16, 2005, incident in which Devens pursued a speeding pickup truck and arrested its driver, Wesley A. Lewis.

Devens allegedly assaulted Lewis and later destroyed a videotape of the arrest that was taken from Devens' patrol car.

If convicted, Devens could face up to 30 years in prison and a $500,00 fine.