Fulton Detention Officer Accused Of Using Excessive Force On 3 Inmates

ATLANTA, GA — A Fulton County detention officer was arrested this week after authorities said he used excessive force on three inmates Sunday and did not accurately report the matter.

According to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office Friday, Demarcus Whatley, 25, was fired from the sheriff's office and is being held at the Fulton County Jail without bond.

Authorities said Whatley's arrest came after the Jail Investigations Unit received an emergency inmate grievance and reviewed video footage of the incident that took place Sunday. The sheriff's office did not detail the type of force used in the case.

“Detention officers have the responsibility of treating those in their custody humanely and with respect,” Fulton County Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat said in a news release. “When an officer deviates from this duty, they must be held accountable. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is committed to thoroughly investigating claims of officer misconduct. As sheriff, I remain committed to transparency and taking action swiftly and appropriately should those claims be sustained.”

Whatley had been with the sheriff's office since March. He is being charged on suspicion of three counts of aggravated assault, four counts of violation of oath by public officer, three counts of cruelty to inmate, one count of false statements and writings, concealment of facts and fraudulent documents and one count of reckless conduct, authorities said.