A former Georgia deputy gets federal prison for beating a Black man in a jail cell
Share and Follow


SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — A former Georgia sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for repeatedly punching a Black detainee whose beating by guards was recorded by a jail security camera nearly three years ago.

A U.S. District Court judge sentenced 27-year-old Ryan Biegel on Thursday. The former Camden County deputy had pleaded guilty earlier this year to violating the due process rights of Jarrett Hobbs by using unreasonable force.

Hobbs of Greensboro, North Carolina, was booked into the Camden County jail near the Georgia-Florida line for traffic violations and drug possession charges on Sept. 3, 2022.

Security video from that night showed Hobbs standing alone in his cell before five guards rushed in and surrounded him. At least three deputies were shown punching him in the head and neck before Hobbs was dragged from the cell and hurled against a wall.

Hobbs’ attorneys, Harry Daniels and Bakari Sellers, said in a statement Friday that jailers “beat him mercilessly” with false confidence they would never be prosecuted.

“Let this sentence serve as some solace to everyone who has been terrorized by violence masquerading as law and order and a warning to their brutalizers,” the lawyers’ statement said. “Your badge will not protect you any more than it protected Ryan Biegel.”

Biegel’s defense attorney, Adrienne Browning, said she had no immediate comment.

Biegel and two other deputies, all of them white, were fired and arrested in connection with the assault on Hobbs, but not until more than two months later when one of Hobbs’ attorneys obtained the video and made it public.

All three still face state charges of battery and violating their oaths of office, according to Camden County Superior Court records.

U.S. District Court records show federal charges being brought only against Biegel.

It was Hobbs who was initially charged after being attacked in his cell. Prosecutors later dismissed charges of aggravated battery, simple assault and obstruction of law enforcement officers against Hobbs, citing a lack of evidence.

Also dropped were the traffic violation and drug charges that had landed Hobbs in jail. Camden County officials paid Hobbs a cash settlement to avoid a civil lawsuit, but the amount was not disclosed.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Mark Sanchez arrested after stabbed during altercation

Mark Sanchez Detained Following Stabbing Incident

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
KFC's Original Honey BBQ sauce is making its return this week

KFC’s Classic Honey BBQ Sauce is Back This Week

The return of the classic sauce comes as KFC is revitalizing its…
Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on Easter, Good Friday?

USPS Announces Temporary Price Hike for 2025 Holiday Season

Shipping gifts may cost you more this holiday season. WASHINGTON — The…
Taylor Swift's 'The Official Release Party of a Show Girl' debuts at No. 1 with $33 million

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Official Release Party of a Show Girl’ Tops Charts with $33 Million Opening

LOS ANGELES (AP) — This weekend’s box office belonged to two undeniable…
Slain student’s grieving dad vows action after repeat offender allegedly murdered daughter

Slain student’s grieving dad vows action after repeat offender allegedly murdered daughter

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A grieving father’s anguished…
Kennedy Expressway construction: All I-90 outbound lanes reopened Sunday, ending lane closures ahead of IDOT Thanksgiving schedule

Kennedy Expressway: All Outbound Lanes of I-90 Reopened Sunday, Concluding Lane Closures Before IDOT’s Thanksgiving Timeline

CHICAGO (WLS) — All outbound lanes reopened on Sunday, nearing the finish…
Family of Mark Sanchez 'victim' breaks silence after violent attack

Family of Mark Sanchez Incident ‘Victim’ Speaks Out Following Violent Attack

The family of the truck driver who was reportedly assaulted by Mark…
Vice Principals actress Kimberly Hébert Gregory dead at 52

“Kimberly Hébert Gregory of Vice Principals Passes Away at Age 52”

Kimberly Hébert Gregory, best known for her starring role as Dr. Belinda Brown…