Update: Following the press release from the DOJ regarding Aldridge’s indictment, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office announced that Aldridge had been relieved of his duties.
A federal grand jury returned a thirteen count Indictment charging current Camden County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant, Buck William Aldridge, 42, of St. Mary’s Georgia, with deprivation of rights under color of law and falsifying records.
According to the allegations contained in the indictment, Aldridge, while working in his capacity as a Deputy Sheriff with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), used excessive force on arrestees on four separate occasions. In addition to the use of excessive force, the indictment alleges Aldridge prepared multiple misleading CCSO reports to justify his use of force.
Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
Aldridge faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation, and 20 years in prison for each false report. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Law enforcement officers are entrusted with the authority to uphold the law—not to break it. When that trust is violated, the FBI will act. No badge puts anyone above the Constitution,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “We remain committed to investigating civil rights violations and holding accountable those who abuse their power.”
The FBI Brunswick Field Office is investigating the case. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This is a press release from the US Department of Justice.
