A Pike County Sheriff deputy has resigned after he is caught on video beating and macing a restrained prisoner. The FBI is now investigating the matter. The Pike County prosecutor has called the case “disturbing.”
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Acting Pike County Sheriff James Nelson reports the incident occurred on the morning of November 18th after a use of force incident in the jail because inmate Thomas Friend had been unruly and non compliant, leading to him being placed in a restraint chair.
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While restrained in the chair, video shows that Deputy Moore used mace and struck the inmate several times. Sgt. Stansberry, who was the supervisor on duty, was present for a period of time during the incident. Friend and Deputy Jeremy Moore were taken to Pike Medical Center for possible injuries and were both treated and released.
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An ensuing investigation was conducted, where video of the incident was reviewed. Deputy Moore and Sgt. Stansberry were placed on administrative leave, with Moore later resigning. Stansberry was demoted in rank and was suspended for two weeks.