Broward Sheriff Defends Deputies Arrested for Alleged Battery on Inmate

Sheriff Tony Defends Detention Deputies

• 📢 Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony held an explosive news conference to defend three detention deputies arrested for alleged battery on an inmate.
• 🛡️ Tony asserted that the force used by the deputies against inmate Sarah Caputo in 2022 was justified and proper.
• ⚖️ He criticized the state attorney's office for filing charges and demanded that all charges against the deputies be dropped.

Allegations and Surveillance Footage

• 📹 Surveillance video from a Broward County jail shows three deputies interacting with inmate Sarah Caputo after she allegedly refused to change into jail clothing.
• 💥 The sheriff's office claims Caputo refused, argued, and then lunged forward, striking, scratching, kicking, and biting one of the deputies to the extent of fracturing her bones.
• 🎬 Sheriff Tony showed photos of his deputies' injuries and edited clips of the surveillance video, emphasizing the deputies were attacked.

State Attorney's Response and Investigation

• 🧐 The state attorney's office ordered charges against Sergeants Pulk, Cleopatra Johnny, and Dena Walker last month, following an investigation that began in April of last year when Caputo's attorney filed a motion to dismiss battery charges against her.
• ⚖️ State Attorney Harold Pryor stated he is held to a higher standard and will not be deterred by attempts to sway public opinion, emphasizing his commitment to seeking justice.
• 🚫 The state attorney's office has also dropped the charges against inmate Sarah Caputo.

Legal Representation and Further Developments

• 💰 Sheriff Tony announced that he is personally paying for the attorneys representing his deputies.
• 📰 Local 10 News is seeking comment from Caputo's attorney and will provide updates as more information becomes available.