Former Clayton County jailer Jabin Bethea pleaded guilty in federal court to violating a pretrial detainee's civil rights after video showed him use a Taser repeatedly on a compliant detainee. Surveillance and body-camera footage reportedly show the detainee on the floor obeying orders while Bethea tased him at least six times. Bethea admitted wrongdoing and faces sentencing in 2026.
Former Clayton County Jailer Pleads Guilty After Video Shows He Tased Compliant Detainee
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Former Clayton County, Georgia, jailer Jabin Bethea has pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the civil rights of a pretrial detainee, admitting to the use of excessive force during a transfer between housing units.
What Happened
Prosecutors say the incident began when Bethea argued with a detainee who had cursed at him. According to charging documents and video evidence, Bethea slammed the detainee's head into a wall, threw him to the floor, and ordered him to place his hands behind his back.
Surveillance and body-camera footage show the detainee lying on the floor and complying with orders when Bethea deployed his Taser multiple times.
Use of Force
Officials say Bethea applied the Taser at least six times while the detainee remained on the floor and appeared to obey commands. The repeated use of the stun device against a compliant, pretrial detainee formed the basis of the federal civil-rights charge.
Legal Outcome
Bethea entered a guilty plea in federal court. He is scheduled to be sentenced in 2026. The case drew attention because the recorded footage contradicted any claim that the detainee posed an ongoing threat at the time of the Tasing.
Source: The post originally appeared on Reason.com.
