A former Hall County jailer was arrested Wednesday for allegedly hitting a handcuffed inmate, authorities said.
Dustin Charlton was involved in a fight in September with a combative inmate, Hall County Sheriff’s officials said. After the inmate was brought under control, authorities said Charlton struck the bound inmate in the head with his hands.
“Charlton’s actions are completely unacceptable and do an extreme disservice to those we are sworn to protect, as well as those officers who serve honorably,” Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Col. Tony Carter said in a statement released following the incident.
Charlton, who at that point had worked at the jail for two years, was placed on a five-day unpaid suspension before eventually being fired.
An internal investigation and a GBI investigation led to Charlton’s arrest on charges of violation of oath of office, a felony, and misdemeanor simple battery.
He was released Thursday afternoon on $15,000 bond, authorities said.
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