Former Ga. deputy Bryan P. Johnson acquitted of beating suspect

Apr 28, 2013 - 10:09
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Former Ga. deputy Bryan P. Johnson acquitted of beating suspect
Bryan P. Johnson

A former Richmond County sheriff's deputy says he would like to retu to law enforcement now that a jury has acquitted him in the beating of a handcuffed suspect.

The Augusta Chronicle reports it took a jury two hours Friday to find ex-deputy Bryan P. Johnson not guilty of aggravated battery.

Prosecutors say Johnson kneed and punched Christopher Kersey in the face while arresting him at a dance club in July 2009. Kersey says the beating fractured bones in his face and dislocated his jaw.

The former deputy's defense attoey, Jacque Hawk, focused on conflicting witness accounts. Some said they saw Johnson beating the suspect, while others testified they simply saw officers trying to subdue a combative and intoxicated suspect. Other witnesses said they saw different officers hitting Kersey.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.