Sheriff’s deputy fired amid use of force investigation
A Floyd County sheriff’s deputy was fired Friday amid allegations he used his Taser on a man who was in handcuffs, spokeswoman Deputy Carrie M. Edge said.
Matthew Battle had been on administrative leave since Jan. 15 after Jauan Porter, 21, said the ex-deputy shocked and roughed him up after he refused to sign paperwork agreeing to have his blood drawn, Channel 2 Action News reported. The incident happened Jan. 8.
Porter told the news station he was taken to jail about 5 a.m. the night of the incident after he had been jumped by four men. Police had found him drunk, Channel 2 reported.
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According to a statement obtained by Channel 2 from the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Porter “became belligerent and exhibited non-compliant behavior,” resulting in Battle using his Taser.
While Porter admitted he was drunk, he denied being belligerent.
The GBI is continuing its investigation, spokeswoman Nelly Miles said.
