Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty To Assaulting Inmate

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of deprivation of civil rights, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Arii Metz, 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Metz, while acting as a correctional officer with the Allegheny County Jail, used excessive force in the assault of an inmate on Oct. 13, 2010, and thereby violated his civil rights.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for June 18, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Arii Metz.