CROWN POINT | Lake County Sheriff Rogelio "Roy" Dominguez said Thursday he will fire three Lake County Jail correctional officers found guilty of beating of a handcuffed inmate two years ago.

The County Corrections Merit Board vote unanimously Thursday to find Officers William Brown, Pedro Elizando and David Negrete guilty on six of eight civil disciplinary charges they either used excessive force, failed to stop other officers from beating Tommy Ford and covered it up and to recommend their termination.

Brown, Elizando and Negrete aren't accused of any criminal wrongdoing. However, the sheriff said the Dec. 26, 2006, incident remains the subject of ongoing federal and state grand jury investigations and a potential civil rights lawsuit by the inmate.

Board members said evidence taken during their 16-month inquiry convinced them the officers kicked and slammed Ford's head into a steel door while he was handcuffed behind his back. He was treated in a hospital intensive care unit for several days.

Ford had argued and spit on officers escorting him from his jail cell to a visitation room. Three other corrections officers charged with having a role in the beating resigned before the correction board could judge them.

Dominguez said the incident was the act of a small faction of more than 170 corrections officers "who do a great job day in and day out."

Defense lawyer Nick Thiros, who represents Negrete said the firings were based on "the testimony of a convicted murderer of a 15-year-old boy." Defense lawyer John Cantrell, who represents Brown and Elizando said he doesn't know if his clients can afford to appeal their termination, "but I'm convinced we could overturn this decision."

Board member Justin Murphy said his vote wasn't based on Ford's accusations. He said he relied on the testimony of Corrections Officer Rita Key who accused the other officers of the beating and "faced the ridicule of all other corrections officers."