Gang member found guilty in assault on correctional officer

ATLANTA - Cody Ryan Todd has been found guilty by a federal jury of assault on a Bureau of Prisons correctional officer at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia (USP-Atlanta).

“Detainees and inmates cannot commit crimes with impunity while they are behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Correctional officers in Bureau of Prisons facilities perform an essential role in safeguarding the welfare of penitentiary staff and inmates. Assaults committed against these law enforcement officers will not be tolerated.”

“This case shows the risk correctional officers face daily. Todd’s intent to do harm towards this officer will be met with serious consequences,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will not tolerate such attacks against members of law enforcement, and Todd will now face further consequences for his actions.”

“The Federal Bureau of Prisons appreciates the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement counterparts for their hard work and diligence in bringing this case to justice.  Our employees safety is paramount. This prosecution sends a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated and underscores our commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for our employees and those in our care,” said Randilee Giamusso, Spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On January 28, 2021, Cody Todd assaulted a correctional officer while Todd was in custody as a pretrial detainee at USP-Atlanta. Todd hit the officer in the face, knocked him to the floor, and then struck the officer several more times while the officer was incapacitated. This assault left the officer with significant injuries.

At the time of the assault, Todd was being detained on charges of racketeering activity in connection with his crimes committed as a member of the Ghost Face Gangsters. The racketeering activity included, among other offenses, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery.

Cody Ryan Todd, 34, of Carrollton, Georgia, was separately convicted of conspiracy to commit racketeering and sentenced to 16 years in prison. Todd had also previously been convicted of battery on four separate occasions.  He is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Victoria Calvert on May 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Beaulieu and Alison Prout are prosecuting the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.