GBI agents are investigating whether a Hall County deputy punched a handcuffed inmate who had injured two jailers.

The sheriff’s office fired Sgt. Kenny Lane, a 25-year veteran, shortly after the June 14 incident, which was observed by a lieutenant who intervened, agency spokeswoman Nicole Bailes said.

Lane was not involved in the struggle in the jail between the prisoner and guards, but struck the inmate in the abdomen after he was restrained, Bailes said.

The sheriff’s office contacted the GBI to independently review the matter.

About the Author

Keep Reading

On April 8, 1974, in Atlanta, Hank Aaron smashed baseball’s home run record. Our special coverage celebrating the 50th anniversary of this magical moment has begun online and in our print editions. There’s still more to come as Monday’s historic anniversary arrives.

Credit: Richard Watkins

Featured

Travelers wait in Concourse F, the international terminal, at Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com