BREAKING: A former Georgia sheriff’s sergeant has been indicted on serious civil rights charges involving excessive force and cover-up tactics. Buck William Aldridge, 42, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday, facing 13 counts for falsifying records and violating the rights of four individuals during arrests.
This urgent development comes just hours after Aldridge resigned from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office following calls for accountability. The indictment reveals a troubling pattern of behavior, as Aldridge is accused of using unjustified force on multiple occasions, including incidents of tasing and physical assaults.
Among the allegations, Aldridge is charged with unjustifiably tasing a suspect in January 2021 and kicking another in the same year. Disturbingly, he is also accused of striking a victim in the back of the head with a taser in August 2023, all while attempting to cover up his actions in official reports.
“Finally, justice for some of these people that have been deprived of their civil rights at the hands of Buck Aldridge,” stated Timothy Bessent, president of the Camden County NAACP.
The indictment does not mention the fatal shooting of Leonard Cure, a Black man, by Aldridge in October 2023. Earlier this year, District Attorney Keith Higgins determined that Aldridge’s actions during the incident were justified, leading to significant public outcry. The Cure family has since filed a $16 million lawsuit against Aldridge and former Sheriff Jim Proctor, claiming a broader pattern of excessive force.
Aldridge’s actions, as outlined in the indictment, suggest a troubling trend within the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, which has seen several deputies indicted for similar offenses. Advocates are calling for systemic changes to prevent further abuses of power.
“It helps our case tremendously considering it shows he had this propensity for excessive use of force and a propensity to lie about it,” said Harry Daniels, attorney for the Cure family.
In response to the indictment, current Sheriff Kevin Chaney emphasized the department’s commitment to accountability. “Our duty is to serve the citizens of Camden County with integrity and professionalism,” he declared.
The FBI is actively investigating the case, and further legal ramifications for Aldridge are expected. As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see how this indictment will impact ongoing cases and the community’s trust in law enforcement.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the implications of the indictment resonate throughout the Camden County community and beyond.
