A former correctional officer at the Clayton County Jail, Justin Bethea, has pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of a pretrial detainee by using excessive force. According to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, Bethea tased a detainee multiple times without justification.
“Corrections officers work long hours in challenging circumstances to maintain order in our district’s jails and prisons, but wanton abuse cannot be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “This former officer must be held accountable for using excessive force against a detainee who was complying with his orders and was not acting violently.”
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, commented on the case: “Correctional officers are entrusted with authority, and with that authority comes the responsibility to treat every detainee with basic dignity and respect. This officer chose to abuse that trust and violate the civil rights of someone in his custody,” Brown said. “The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable anyone who uses unlawful force inside our jails and prisons.”
Court records state that on May 16, 2024, Bethea was transferring two detainees between housing units when one asked about his destination. Bethea handcuffed the detainee after telling him to be quiet, leading to an argument during the transfer. After removing the handcuffs, Bethea challenged the detainee before slamming his head into a wall, throwing him onto the floor, and ordering him to put his hands behind his back. Surveillance footage showed that although the detainee complied while on the floor, Bethea used his taser at least six times. The detainee sustained bodily injury as a result.
Bethea is scheduled for sentencing on March 10, 2026 at 11:00 before U.S. District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson. The court will consider federal sentencing guidelines when determining punishment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation in this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray.
Further information can be obtained from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga or by contacting their Public Affairs Office.
