A former lieutenant and shift commander at an Alabama prison pleaded guilty to federal charges Tuesday in connection with the assault of an inmate that included chemical spray, prosecutors said.

Mohammad Shahid Jenkins, former 20-year law enforcement veteran who was a lieutenant and shift commander at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, also pleaded guilty to lying about the attack on one of the inmates to cover up the abuse.

Jenkins used excessive force on one of the inmates, only identified by the initials V.R., on Feb. 16, 2022 that included Jenkins kicking, hitting and spraying V.R. with chemical spray, according to the plea deal in the case.

Jenkins also hit V.R. with the spray can and struck him with a shoe while the inmate was restrained inside a holding cell.

The inmate did not pose a threat to the then-corrections officer, prosecutors said.

Jenkins then submitted a false incident report that omitted his use of excessive force. He also lied to investigators, denying using any force against the inmate.

He pleaded guilty to use of excessive force and obstruction.

Jenkins also admitted to using force on another inmate, only identified as D.H., on Nov. 19, 2021, according to prosecutors.

He repeatedly sprayed D.H. with chemical spray while D.H. was handcuffed behind his back and complying with commands.

The inmate was also hit in the head with the spray when Jenkins then struck him with an open hand while the inmate was suffering from the effects of the chemical spray.

Jenkins faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 19 — 20 years on the obstruction charge and 10 years on the excessive force charge.

He also faces up to three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000.

“Senior law enforcement officers set the tone for junior officers whom they supervise,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant abused his position of power to carry out a violent assault on a restrained inmate, in an isolated location of the prison. The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who violate the civil rights of any American, including those who are incarcerated in our jails and prisons.”

Prim Escalona, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, said in a statement there is zero tolerance for the types of crimes Jenkins committed.

“My office will continue to aggressively prosecute and bring to justice those who abuse their authority and prey on vulnerable people who they are sworn to protect and keep safe,” she said.

Added Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples of the FBI Birmingham Field Office: “The civil rights of all must be protected, including those who are in the trusted custody of law enforcement officials. To willfully deprive any individual without due process or subject the same to cruel and unusual punishment can’t be tolerated or perceived to be so commonplace it’s considered normal inside of our institutions. The FBI will remain committed to holding those who swore an oath to protect and serve, but instead willfully abused their privileges and abandon their responsibilities as law enforcement officers, accountable.”