Gwinnett Deputy Arrested After Punching Inmate In Head 3 Times

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested Friday after he was caught on video punching an inmate in the head three times with a closed fist while the inmate was trying to harm herself, according to the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.

Aaron Masters was arrested Friday after a routine review of his use of force on a jail inmate raised concern and launched an investigation. Masters was charged with battery and turned himself in at the Gwinnett County Jail at approximately 4 p.m. Friday and has since been released on bond. Masters resigned his deputy position before turning himself in.

The offense took place Aug. 20 after an unruly inmate attacked several deputies, punching one in the groin, kicking another and biting a third. All three deputies required medical attention due to the injuries they sustained. Aaron Masters, who was the deputy punched in the groin, assisted the other deputies in subduing the out of control inmate.

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The inmate was safely subdued initially, but immediately began self-harming behavior as soon as the deputies left her cell. Deputies entered the cell again to prevent the inmate from harming herself. It was during this exchange that Aaron Masters is seen on video striking the inmate in the head three times with a closed fist.
The disturbing incident was detected during the routine review that follows each use of force incident. It was clear that Aaron Masters’ actions were unprovoked and outside our established policies and procedures.

Sheriff Butch Conway requested that the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office assist with the investigation, which determined that Aaron Masters should be charged with battery, a misdemeanor.
Aaron Masters has been employed by the sheriff’s office for three years in the Jail Division, where he served on the Rapid Response Team. He has no disciplinary history. While his service record is unblemished, his lapse of judgement during this incident has resulted in his separation from the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Conway expressed his dismay saying, “With great power comes great responsibility. Our deputies work hard every day to provide a safe community for citizens, inmates and staff alike. There’s no room for a quick temper in this job and this behavior will not be tolerated.”

"It's with a heavy heart that we share [this] information," the Sheriff's Department said on their Facebook page. "We appreciate the many outstanding deputies who come to work every day and serve with honor. They are not deserving of this poor representation of our office.

"The actions of Aaron Masters are not consistent with our values and the review system that's in place served us well," continued the post. "That's what brought this matter quickly to light and it's why we take the time to do it each and every time."

Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office