The First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of correctional officer Seth M. Bourget for using excessive force against an inmate at the Federal Medical Center Devens. This decision, filed on August 21, 2026, affects law enforcement practices and the treatment of inmates across the country.
Bourget was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 242 for depriving an inmate, referred to as KT, of his Eighth Amendment rights. The court's ruling emphasizes the importance of accountability for law enforcement officers and the protection of inmates' rights.
The case arose from an incident on June 18, 2019, when Bourget was part of a team executing a forced cell move on KT, who was handcuffed and had a history of mental health issues. During the move, Bourget struck KT in the chin and face with a shield, causing serious injuries. This incident was captured on video and played during the trial.
The legal proceedings began when a grand jury indicted Bourget and another officer, Lieutenant Joseph Lavorato, on multiple counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. Bourget faced two counts related to the incident, but after a jury trial in 2022, he was acquitted on one count, while the jury was hung on the other. A retrial in December 2022 led to his conviction.
The court found that Bourget acted with malicious intent when he struck KT with the shield. The ruling stated, "A plausible rendition of the record supports the jury's conclusion that Bourget acted with malicious and sadistic intent." The judges on the panel included Circuit Judges Montecalvo, Lynch, and Kayatta.
This ruling is significant as it reinforces the legal standards for the use of force by correctional officers. The court highlighted that officers are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary and that Bourget's actions deviated from this standard. The decision underscores the need for law enforcement to adhere to constitutional protections, particularly for vulnerable populations like inmates.
The ruling also affects how similar cases may be handled in the future. It sets a precedent for holding correctional officers accountable for excessive use of force, which could lead to changes in training and operational procedures within correctional facilities nationwide.
Looking ahead, Bourget's conviction can potentially be appealed to the Supreme Court, although the likelihood of such an appeal succeeding remains uncertain. This case is likely to influence ongoing discussions about the treatment of inmates and the responsibilities of correctional officers.