Corrections Deputy Resigns After Punching Inmate: Sheriff

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy has resigned after punching an inmate at the Manatee County Jail, MCSO said in a news release.

An internal investigation found that the former deputy, 27-year-old John Camarillo, used excessive force against an inmate in a Feb. 17 incident.

Camarillo was working an evening shift in the disciplinary pod when an inmate, Christian Comfort, began hitting and kicking the cell door, according to the criminal investigative report from the agency’s Professional Standards Division. Camarillo repeatedly ordered him to stop.

The former deputy attempted to use pepper spray on Comfort to subdue him, but the inmate grabbed Camarillo by the arms through the cell’s food hatch, scratching him, the investigative report said.

After a minor struggle, Comfort was handcuffed behind his back and had his legs shackled. Other deputies held him down as Camarillo secured a lap strap on him.

As Camarillo secured the lap strap on the inmate, he spit in the former deputy’s face. Camarillo yelled, “Oh, f--- you,” and punched Comfort in the face, according to the report.

The inmate was not injured in the incident, MCSO said.

Facing termination and battery charges, Camarillo resigned March 2. He was hired as a corrections deputy by MCSO on Sept. 30, 2018 and was assigned to jail operations, the sheriff’s office said.