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.

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.

About the Author

Featured

People join a rally in support for U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees on Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2025, at the Atlanta headquarters after federal cuts triggered significant layoffs. (Photo: Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Jenni Girtman