Date of Offense
Statement
A local resident (Andre Burton) publicly alleged that during an arrest in Senatobia, Mississippi, he was subjected to excessive force and physical assault by responding police officers. Burton specifically named Senatobia Police Chief Richard Chandler as being present or participating among the officers during the encounter.
According to public reporting and video footage from the surrounding area: The complainant alleged officers used excessive force—including hitting him behind the head, slamming his head onto a vehicle hood, and causing physical injuries (including facial swelling, ear damage, and a sprained ankle)—during an encounter that led to charges of public drunkenness, failure to comply, and resisting arrest.
Following public posting and media coverage of the incident, Chief Richard Chandler and the Senatobia Police Department issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the video and incident. The department stated that the matter was under internal review to determine whether the officers' actions complied with department policy and standard operating procedures. The department maintained that officers responded to reports in the area and contended that video clips circulating on social media omitted key context regarding the interaction.
Under Brady v. Maryland (373 U.S. 83) and Giglio v. United States (405 U.S. 150), prosecutors have a constitutional duty to disclose exculpatory or impeachment material to the defense.
This specific incident is flagged for potential Brady / Giglio disclosure for the following reasons:
- Impeachment of Credibility / Bias: Allegations of excessive force, unconstitutional search/seizure, or misrepresentation in official reporting directly bear on officer credibility as a prosecution witness.
- Pending Civil / Administrative Complaints: Active internal affairs investigations, citizen complaints of excessive force, or formal notices of claim involving named officers must be evaluated for disclosure in cases where those officers are material witnesses.
- Supervisory Oversight: Because Chief Chandler holds an executive role within the department, allegations involving his direct presence or conduct during field operations require formal documentation to ensure compliance with discovery rules in affected criminal proceedings.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/senatobia-man-says-police-chief-among-officers-who-assaulted-arrested-him/article_54f1e910-a6ba-11ee-82c5-c775ea185cc3.html
The US Citizen Reporters are a group of public and private defense advocates that scour the internet for documented incidents of police misconduct that have eluded accountability.
