The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A former correctional officer at the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver was sentenced to federal prison Monday for her role in the 2022 beating death of inmate Quantez Burks, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to court records, then-Correctional Officer Ashley Toney admitted that she answered a call for help after Burks attempted to push past another officer and exit his designated pod. Toney, along with other officers, restrained and handcuffed Burkes before taking him to an interview room. There, several officers struck and harmed Burks while he was restrained, handcuffed, and posed no threat, as punishment for trying to leave his assigned pod. Toney admitted that she had the chance to step in and prevent the other officers from attacking Burkes but decided not to make any reasonable effort to intervene.
“The defendant’s inaction led to the death of a 37-year-old man, and afterwards she attempted to shield herself and fellow officers from being held accountable for his death,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “Through her criminal conduct, the defendant violated the public’s trust in the law enforcement system she swore to uphold. I commend the Civil Rights Division for their outstanding advocacy in this case.”
Toney, 25, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Six corrections officers faced charges in this case. In Nov. 2024, three of the defendants — Mark Holdren, Corey Snyder, and Johnathan Walters — each pleaded guilty in connection with the use of excessive force used against Burks, resulting in his death. In Aug. 2024, Jacob Boothe pleaded guilty for failing to intervene to protect Burks from the officers’ assault. Sentencing hearings for Holdren, Snyder, Walters, and Toney are set for July 9.
On Jan. 27, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict at trial for the sixth indicted defendant, Chad Lester, a former Lieutenant at the Southern Regional Jail, finding him guilty on three obstruction of justice charges for his role in conspiring to cover up the death of Burks. On May 15, Lester was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison.
Prior to their respective indictments, former correctional officers Steven Nicholas Wimmer and Andrew Fleshman each pleaded guilty to conspiring to use unreasonable force against Burks. On May 8, Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk sentenced Wimmer to nine years in prison. Fleshman is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14.
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