2 Former Prison Guards Plead Not Guilty in Civil Rights Case

SAN FRANCISCO —  Two former Pelican Bay State Prison guards pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges alleging that, from 1992 to 1995, they conspired to deprive five inmates of their civil rights.

Edward Powers and Jose Garcia were indicted on conspiracy charges last month. The former guards are accused of causing inmates to stab and punch five other prisoners, some of whom were convicted sex offenders or child molesters.

U.S. Dist. Magistrate Judge Bernard Zimmerman ordered Powers to return to court later this month to settle his bail requirements. Garcia is serving a four-year sentence in San Quentin State Prison for conspiring to assault inmates and possessing alcohol in prison.

Powers and Garcia face a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted.