Former MPD officer convicted of civil rights violation, obstructing justice

A former officer of the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) is facing up to 20 years in prison after being convicted of violating a woman's "constitutional right to bodily integrity" and obstructing justice. 

A statement from U.S. Attorney Thomas Govan said that Markelle Jaquan Cox, 32, was found guilty by a federal jury on Sept. 18 of four counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and three counts of obstruction of justice.

The statement went on to explain that while working as a policeman for MPD he responded to a shoplifting incident on Sept. 20, 2023 where he escorted the victim in handcuffs to his car. 

"While she was restrained, Cox engaged in unlawful and abusive sexual contact, including touching intimate areas of her body, with some of the touching occurring under her clothing. Cox later removed the handcuffs and forced the victim to touch him," said the statement. 

Cox reportedly used a translation app because the victim did not speak English and solicited sex from her. He had her unlock her phone and include his number. She was then allowed to leave the scene. 

The victim contacted 911 and made her way to the MPD building where she filed a complaint. 

"MPD immediately opened an investigation and interviewed Cox, who denied the allegations," the statement explains. "Body‑camera footage, however, corroborated the victim’s account. Even after being told of the evidence, Cox continued to deny wrongdoing. A search of both phones confirmed the added phone number and use of the translation app."

An exact date for Cox's sentence hearing has not been determined but will take place in the coming months.