The attorney for Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill entered a plea of not guilty on Thursday to a new charge of violating an inmate’s Constitutional rights with the use of a restraint chair at the jail.
The new allegation was leveled through a superseding indictment in late July, and adds on to four counts previously filed against Hill in April. The controversial sheriff, who was suspended from his duties by Gov. Brian Kemp in June, had previously pled not guilty to the earlier charges.
Attorney Drew Findling entered the plea on behalf of Hill, who waved his appearance and was not in Magistrate Count Judge Linda Walker’s courtroom.
The Thursday hearing lasted less than 10 minutes. The judge read portions of the new count, which accuses the Clayton Sheriff’s Office of illegally using a restraint chair on a detainee in May 2020. The indictment says Hill stood by as the detainee, who had been arrested for speeding and driving on a suspended license, was allegedly hooded and punched in the face.
Findling said after the hearing that Hill waved his appearance because he didn’t need to be there just for the reading of the additional charge. The attorney added that he thinks the new count is an attempt by federal authorities to find accusations to strengthen a weak case.
“It was something the government knew about for a year and was clearly a response to a very strongly worded motion to dismiss,” he said.
Kemp suspended Hill after a three-person panel said the federal charges would adversely impact responsibilities as sheriff. Alan Parker, attorney for the sheriff’s office, has asked Kemp to rescind the suspension, arguing that the panel contradicted itself on when it is proper to use a restraint chair.
The governor’s office could not immediately be reached for comment.
About the Author
