A grand jury has indicted a Monroe County sheriff’s deputy on allegations he beat a woman while she was handcuffed last summer.
Sgt. William Jackson faces battery and violation of oath charges in the July 16 case.
According to authorities, Jackson arrested Micka Martin after marijuana was found in her suitcase. Martin’s husband initially called 911 about her alcohol consumption and irate behavior in their car.
Officials said Martin attempted to head-butt and spit on Jackson while handcuffed.
Jackson then struck Martin multiple times while she was restrained, something the jury considered unauthorized excessive force, District Attorney Jonathan L. Adams said.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office discovered the use of force in September after reviewing footage of the incident.
Jackson was placed on administrative leave while the GBI investigated. A sheriff’s office spokesman said Jackson’s employment status will be addressed this week.
“Sheriff (John Cary) Bittick and I are committed to transparency and accountability in the performance of our duties and those of our personnel,” Adams said. “This is proven by the sheriff’s swift and thorough investigation and handling of this issue, and I will do so by prosecuting this case.”
Jackson had no prior complaints of use of force. He also faced no disciplinary action during his 14-year career at the sheriff’s office, authorities said. He has not been taken into custody.
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