Zackary King, a former Crawford County deputy, was sentenced to one year in prison with one year of supervised release for his involvement in a violent arrest captured in a viral video. The incident took place on August 21, 2022, when King, along with fellow former deputy Levi White and Mulberry Police Officer Thell Riddle, used excessive force during the arrest of Randal Worcester in Mulberry.
King, who had initially pleaded not guilty, later pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under the color of law on April 15. The government’s sentencing memorandum emphasized King’s acceptance of responsibility and remorse for his actions. It also noted that King did not obstruct justice by deleting evidence, unlike White, who deleted data from his phone and bragged about the beating.
For these reasons, King received a lighter sentence than White, who was sentenced to more than five years in prison on October 9. King is also advised to undergo mental health counseling while in prison and is prohibited from having contact with Worcester or his family.
The arrest, which was filmed and shared widely on social media, showed officers pinning Worcester to the ground while striking him. Worcester later filed a lawsuit against the officers, alleging violations of his constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, Mulberry Police Officer Thell Riddle was suspended following the incident but was later reinstated to the department. Special prosecutor Emily White announced that no charges would be filed against Riddle.
As the case continues to unfold, Worcester’s lawsuit remains ongoing, seeking justice for the constitutional violations he claims occurred during the arrest.
