Former Farmington Police Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation
OXFORD, Miss. – A former Farmington police officer has been sentenced to less than two months in federal prison for violating the civil rights of a handcuffed man during an arrest in 2023.
Gregory Scott Dalton, 52, of Corinth, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills to 59 days in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Dalton was also ordered to undergo substance abuse and mental health treatment and is barred from contacting the victim. He will remain free on bond until surrendering to federal custody on January 26, 2026.
Dalton pleaded guilty in June to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, admitting that he brandished his service weapon at a handcuffed individual who posed no immediate threat. The incident, captured on Dalton’s body camera, occurred on September 18, 2023, while he was serving as an officer with the Farmington Police Department.
Prosecutors said Dalton was initially charged with multiple felonies, including assault, unlawful arrest, and falsifying a police report. Those charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement after he admitted to the civil rights violation.
Although the offense carried a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, Dalton’s punishment was far lighter than the 24 to 30 months recommended by federal guidelines. Judge Mills acknowledged Dalton’s service as a Gulf War veteran, his 100% disability rating, and ongoing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Defense attorney Tony Farese said his client “was clearly wrong and has accepted responsibility,” adding that Dalton had endured a difficult childhood but was making progress through counseling.
The 59-day sentence allows Dalton to retain his military retirement benefits, which would have been revoked had his sentence exceeded 61 days. The judge delayed Dalton’s reporting date until early 2026 to accommodate a planned heart surgery later this year.
