Warning: Video may be disturbing to some.
Ocala, Florida — Corrections Officer, Charles Craig Broaderick, 41, was charged with battery after he slammed an inmate’s head into a concrete wall while he (the inmate) was handcuffed.
The inmate, who was identified as James Duckworth, 33, was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail by the Ocala Police Department for suspicion of DUI.
Broaderick said he slammed Duckworth’s head into the concrete wall because Duckworth spat at officers. However, after carefully reviewing the video, it appeared Duckworth had something in or on his mouth he was trying to clear but did not actually spit at officers.
After Officer Broaderick slammed Duckworth’s head against the wall he pressed on the inmate’s neck with his fist, at which time the inmate appeared to lose consciousness for a brief moment.
Immediately following the incident, blood could be seen smeared across the wall.
Broaderick told Duckworth several times to hold up his head, despite being unconscious.
At one point in the video, Broaderick is heard saying, “I guess I have to write a report now.”
Broaderick claimed Duckworth was “acting up,” but in the video, Duckworth could be heard telling one of the officers that he was a gentleman.
It wasn’t until after Duckworth’s head was bashed against the wall he is heard using derogatory language toward the officers.
Duckworth can also be heard multiple times telling the officers that his head hurts.
The incident happened in October, and on November 25, 2013, the State Attorney’s office announced they were pressing charges.
Broaderick turned himself into the jail on Tuesday, booked into the jail at 4:30 p.m., and released approximately 12 minutes later on a $2,000 bond.
According to reports, the State Attorney’s Office met with Sheriff Chris Blair’s senior staff in regard to the incident.
Reports indicate that as soon as Blair was briefed, he took immediate action.
Blair said, “Employees of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are expected, and required, to maintain the highest level of integrity and accountability in our dealings with the public, including inmates incarcerated in the Marion County Jail.” Adding, “the sheriff’s office takes any allegations of misconduct, whether in the jail or otherwise, extremely serious and MCSO will not condone any inappropriate or criminal conduct. When and where such allegations of misconduct arise, I will act promptly to determine the merit of the allegations and levy appropriate discipline while also respecting the individual’s right to due process through the criminal proceeding.”
Broaderick was placed on unpaid suspension following his arrest pending the conclusion of a criminal investigation.
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