Kentucky State Police trooper pleads guilty to civil rights violations, excessive force

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB/WAVE) — A Kentucky state trooper pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of two men by using excessive force in their arrests in 2020 and 2024.

Kentucky State Police trooper Cameron Wright made his plea in federal court Wednesday in Louisville.

The 2020 incident involved Wright kicking a victim in the head, shoulder and torso without legal justification. The 2024 incident involved tasing a victim on the ground with hands behind his back.

Wright also pleaded guilty to perjury stemming from a separate 2020 case of excessive force. He allegedly lied under oath about the arrest, specifically about whether he hit the victim with a closed fist or elbow.

Wright could be sentenced to as much as 50 months in prison with three years of supervised release and payment of restitution. A judge will decide the sentence Oct. 28.

Zach Smith is an attorney for the victim, John Millett, in the 2024 case.

"We’re hoping to hold the Kentucky State Police command accountable for their actions that lead Mr. Wright to run amok," Smith said.

Court documents also show additional incidents where Wright used excessive force from 2019 through 2024. One of those incidents involved Dawson Blevins, who is suing Wright in federal court.

Blevins said Wright maced and tased him repeatedly during a traffic stop in Hardin County two years ago. The stop was recorded on body camera video.

The civil suit is pending in federal court.

Prosecutor Anita Channapati called Wright’s plea Wednesday a "deterrent for other law enforcement officers."

Wright remains employed by Kentucky State Police. Sherry Bray, a KSP spokesperson, said he is suspended without pay pending a trial board hearing on his termination appeal.

"The actions by Cameron Wright are unacceptable," Bray said.

Another trooper and a now-former trooper were also indicted with Wright.

They await trial in the fall.