A Montgomery federal jury convicted a former Alabama corrections sergeant with beating three inmates with a baton and filing a false report to cover up the assaults, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Lorenzo Mills, 55, was convicted of three civil rights charges and another for writing a false report.

While acting in his capacity as a correctional sergeant with the Alabama Department of Corrections, Mills subjected three state inmates to cruel and unusual punishment when he beat them with a wooden riot baton, prosecutors said.

One of the inmates suffered a broken arm and the two other inmates suffered injuries including pain and bruising from the beatings.

Mills also wrote a report denying he used any force against the inmates.

“This verdict shows that our community members agree that no person is above the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Constitution protects the rights of all people, including those in our jails and prisons. We will continue to prosecute correctional officers who abuse their power and use our federal civil rights laws to protect the rights of those detained inside our jails and prisons.”

“Correctional officers have an important and difficult job,” added U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Stewart for the Middle District of Alabama. “These officers are tasked with maintaining good order and safety in our prisons, while protecting the constitutional rights of the inmates they supervise. Although most correctional officers serve honorably, my office will work tirelessly to ensure rogue officers are held accountable.”

“An individual’s rights do not end after being convicted of a crime,” replied FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown of the Mobile Field Office. “The FBI takes any violation of civil rights seriously, especially allegations against those sworn to protect and uphold the law. The few who tarnish the badge and illegally use their official capacity will be caught and tried like any other criminal.”

Mills faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the civil rights charges and 20 years in prison for the obstruction of justice offense.