Former Houston County sheriff’s deputy indicted for hitting handcuffed suspect

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Houston County Grand jury indicted a former sheriff’s deputy for allegedly hitting a suspect while he was in handcuffs.

Kenneth Beck is accused of striking a suspect, Patrick Asselin, while he was in the Houston County deputy’s custody.

Beck is charged with simple battery and violation of oath by a public officer. He was indicted by the grand jury on Tuesday.

According to the indictment records, the incident happened on May 17, 2013.

“[Beck] being a public officer with Houston County Sheriff’s office, did willfully and intentionally violate the terms of his oath  prescribed by law to wit: “faithfully perform all duties required of me as Deputy Sheriff of the County of Houston according to the best of my ability,” by committing an act of Simple Battery upon Patrick Asselin while he (Asselin) was in custody and handcuffed, contrary to the laws of said State, the good order, peace and dignity thereof,” the indictment stated. “[Beck] did intentionally make physical contact of an insulting nature, to wit: did strike Patrick Asselin while Asselin was in custody and his hands were handcuffed, contrary to the laws of said State, the good order, peace and dignity thereof.”