ST. LOUIS (AP) — A former St. Louis jail guard admitted in federal court Wednesday that she let two detainees into another inmate’s cell and allowed them to punch and kick the victim.
Demeria Thomas, 38, a former guard at the St. Louis Justice Center, pleaded guilty to depriving the inmate of his civil rights.
Thomas admitted that on March 22, 2021, she let two men into the victim’s cell and watched as they attacked him. She acknowledged that she kept others away before stopping the assault after several minutes.
Thomas made no effort to help the victim who received a broken nose and jaw, a significant concussion, broken teeth and other serious injuries.
No motive for the attack or why Thomas allowed it was discussed.
Other jail officials didn’t learn of the attack until March 24 and the victim wasn’t given medical aid until March 25.
Thomas could face about four years in prison under recommended sentencing guidelines at her May 10 sentencing.
Thomas still faces a felony charge of third-degree assault in St. Louis Circuit Court, as do the two inmates.
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