Ex-MPD Officer Derek Chauvin Moved To Second Detention Facility In Same Day Due To COVID-19 Concerns
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Derek Chauvin, the fired Minneapolis police officer who is now charged with murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, has been moved to a second detention facility in the same day.
Chauvin had previously been held at the Ramsey County Jail after being taken into custody in Minnesota. On Sunday afternoon, he was transferred to the Hennepin County Jail. Just hours later, he was moved to a department of corrections facility in Oak Park Heights.
During a press conference Sunday night, Commissioner of Corrections Paul Schnell said that Chauvin has been moved partially due to COVID-19 concerns, especially considering the number of protesters who had already been arrested on Sunday.
Corrections facilities have been under criticism for becoming COVID-19 hotspots, as dozens of inmates at Moose Lake, Willow River, and St. Cloud facilities tested positive for the disease at the beginning of May.
Chauvin was seen in a now viral Facebook video holding his knee down on Floyd's neck for minutes on end as Floyd pleaded, "I can't breathe." The criminal complaint against him claims he held him down on the neck for more than 8 minutes.
RELATED: Former MPD Officer Derek Chauvin In Custody, Charged With Murder In George Floyd's Death
State prosecutors charged Derek Chauvin with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Minnesota's sentencing guidelines recommend 12 1/2 years for a conviction on the murder count and four years on the manslaughter charge.
Judges have some discretion. The guidelines allow a range of nearly 11 years to 15 years for third-degree murder and less than 3 1/2 years to nearly five years for manslaughter, but the system is designed to result in close to the recommended sentence most of the time.
Chauvin's first court appearance is scheduled for June 8.
STAY INFORMED: Click here to keep up to date on George Floyd's death investigation.
