BRUNSWICK, Ga. — A family of an exonerated man killed by a deputy during a traffic stop called for justice Thursday, following a federal indictment accusing the former deputy of multiple civil rights violations, including excessive force and falsifying reports.

Leonard Cure spent 16 and a half years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, only to be killed in October 2023 during a traffic stop in Camden County.  

His family says justice now would mean the deputy who killed him, Buck Aldridge, serving an equal or greater amount of time behind bars.

“Wouldn’t it be poetic justice if Aldridge was sentenced to 16.5 years,” civil rights attorney Ben Crump said at a press conference, prompting Cure’s family to respond, “sweet justice.”

Despite the local district attorney’s decision not to pursue criminal charges for Cure’s death, Aldridge now faces a 13-count federal indictment for other alleged incidents of misconduct.

“Please God, don’t let me be bitter. Don’t let me hate this person,” Cure’s mother, Mary Cure, said through tears.

While Cure’s case is not listed in the indictment, his family believes holding Aldridge accountable for his history of misconduct, which they say includes repeated violence against Black people, is still justice served.

“It’s fitting we’re in the house of the Lord — the Bible says you reap what you sow,” attorney Harry Daniels said. “Buck Aldridge sowed a lot of discord, violence, unlawful use of violence, lies.”

The family’s calls for accountability extend beyond Aldridge to former Camden County Sheriff Jim Proctor.

“This was a loose cannon and rogue cop,” said Cure’s brother, Wallace. “In addition to that, I’d like to say, District Attorney Higgins needs to grow a spine. If you’re going to represent justice, let it be justice for all.”

“Those people that were chosen to be our protectors need to be held accountable,” Mary added. “You have a job — do your job.”

Family members and attorneys stressed the indictment would not have happened without public pressure, and they hope the case will set a national precedent for holding law enforcement accountable.

“If you violate civil rights, you violate the law. If you violate the law, you should be held liable criminally, not just civilly,” Daniels said. “So absolutely, he should’ve been indicted.”

Crump emphasized that Cure’s death was part of a long pattern of misconduct by Aldridge — a pattern that could have been stopped if earlier complaints were addressed. He called the indictment “partial justice” and said the family will continue pursuing full accountability through both the criminal case and a $16 million civil lawsuit.

The full press conference and indictment are available on First Coast News’ website and streaming app, First Coast News+.