Associated Press - November 18, 2009 8:15 AM ET

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - A guard in San Antonio has been indicted on federal civil rights charges over the alleged December 2004 beating of 2 inmates.

The Justice Department announced the indictment of 54-year-old Daniel Melgoza, who works at the Bexar (BAYR) County Detention Center.

The four-count indictment, announced Tuesday, alleges Melgoza violated the rights of 2 detainees by kicking and hitting them, plus obstructed justice by allegedly trying to cover it up.

If convicted, Melgoza faces 10 years in prison on each civil rights count and 20 years on each obstruction of justice charge.

Defense attorney Marilyn Bradley says Melgoza was suspended without pay for nearly four years, but was reinstated in September 2008. Bradley says Melgaza will plead not guilty.

Prosecutor Cliff Herberg said no state charges were filed because of evidentiary problems.

Information from: San Antonio Express-News, http://www.mysanantonio.com

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