Alexander McQueen and Steven Dawkins, Corrections Officers, Sentenced on Federal Civil Rights and Obstruction Charges

Two corrections officers working at the South Florida Reception Center were found guilty of civil rights and obstruction charges, according to a Justice Department release.

The prosecution held that the Officer Steven Dawkins and Sergeant Alexander McQueen choked, punched, and struck inmates with wooden broom handles in the Doral facility in February 2009.

The officers also encouraged the inmates to fight one another, prosecutors say, and falsified documents about the incidents.

Despite the brutality of these accusations, the officers will only spend a short time behind bars.

U.S. District Court Judge Cecilia Altonaga sentenced McQueen, 31, to one year in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. Dawkins, also 31, will serve one month, followed by six months of supervised release.

Although their meager sentencing will inflame many, the FBI is happy with the court's ruling.

"We are pleased with the sentence for McQueen and Dawkins because their actions affected more than those they physically abused, they undermined the public’s trust in law enforcement," said Special Agent in Charge John V. Gillies of the FBI Miami Division.

In June 2010, when the SFRC officers were indicted, the Justice Department announced that each officer faced up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted. McQueen and Dawkins also faced an additional 20 years for obstruction.

Two other officers were involved in the February 2009 incidents. Another jury acquitted Scott Butler and was unable to reach a verdict for Guruba Griffin.