FORMER FRANKLIN COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY INDICTED FOR
DEPRIVATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS BY SEXUALLY FONDLING YOUNG MALES

BIRMINGHAM, AL - JOHN PILATI, 41, of Russellville, Alabama, has been indicted today in United States District Court and charged with civil rights violations. PILATI is charged with four misdemeanor counts of deprivation of rights under color of law in connection with illicit sexual contact between PILATI and four young males. PILATI is the former District Attorney of Franklin County, Alabama.

"Citizens who are brought before law enforcement authorities are entitled to have their basic civil rights respected. When a District Attorney, or anyone else in law enforcement, uses his position to satisfy his own base desires, great damage is done to the justice system and to the individuals subjected to the abuse. The United States Attorney’s Office will pursue such cases vigorously and individuals who commit such acts may expect to be prosecuted," stated U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin.

The alleged conduct occurred from on or about Spring 2001 through Winter 2002. The incidents involve PILATI, who was the elected District Attorney in Franklin County, Alabama, personally conducting body searches of young male subjects during which he subjected them to unclothed fondling of a sexual nature.

The maximum sentence for deprivation of civil rights is not more than one year imprisonment and a $100,000 fine for each count. Imprisonment for each count is to be served consecutively.

"The Federal Bureau of Investigation will continue to aggressively investigate all credible allegations of civil rights violations," states Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Birmingham Field Division.

This matter was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Investigators of the Alabama Attorney General’s office. U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Christine Dunn and Assistant United States Attorney Miles M. Hart will prosecute this matter on behalf of the U.S. Government.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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