The first photos of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin after he was sentenced to more than 22 years in prison have emerged.
The photos were taken days after Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill sentenced Chauvin to 22.5 years at the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Oak Park Heights for the fatal arrest of George Floyd.
He has been at the maximum-security prison since he was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and second- and third-degree murder in April.
Officials said that while it was not usual to keep a convict at a maximum security prison before they start their sentence, it was done for Chauvin’s protection.
The former cop remains isolated at the prison, away from other prisoners.
A state DOC spokesperson said to Insider: “He was at Oak Park Heights for his safety pre-sentencing. Since he was already at Oak Park Heights and was going to stay there, it would have not made sense to bring him up to St. Cloud.”
Oak Park Heights has a ‘most secure’ unit to separate individuals from others for security or disciplinary reasons.
Pictures show an empty cell with white cinderblock walls, a metal toilet, a thin mattress, a sink, and slim rectangular windows.
Chauvin has been staying there for his protection since his conviction. Meals are also brought to his room and he is allowed out for one hour a day to exercise.
With good behavior, Chauvin could get out on parole after serving 15 years.
Department of Corrections spokeswoman Sarah Fitzgerald said the former cop is allowed a maximum of 10 photos, canteen food, and a radio. He can also subscribe to periodicals and have three non-contact visits per week.
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