Hamilton County deputy charged with assaulting an inmate at the jail
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy has been indicted on assault charges for an incident involving an inmate at the Hamilton County Jail.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters Thursday announced the charges against Sgt. Jesse Franklin, a 14-year veteran of the department and a supervisor at the jail. He is charged with one count of Class A misdemeanor assault, which could bring six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
The incident in question took place on June 9. Nick Ballachino had been arrested by Cincinnati Police and taken to the jail.
When jail deputies tried to search him, a struggle ensued, according to surveillance camera footage released Thursday. Deputies took Ballachino to the ground, and Franklin is seen watching. According to news releases, Ballanchino bit Franklin’s foot, but the sergeant was wearing work boots.
He then kicks the suspect in the head. In a press conference Thursday, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil said Ballachino was on the ground and handcuffed at the time. Shortly after, Neil suspended Franklin's police powers and launched an investigation, leading to Thursday’s announcement of an indictment.
"As sheriff of Hamilton County, Ohio, I am outraged and shocked by this outrageous conduct. These actions are inconsistent with our training and will not be tolerated under my watch,” Neil said at a press conference.
Deputies arrested Franklin and brought him into the jail where he was held without bond Thursday.
Neil did not take any questions, while Franklin's personnel file won't be available until early next week.
The sheriff said he has started the discipline process but that could involve working with the deputies' police union. Franklin is currently suspended without pay.
This is the first police officer indicted in Hamilton County for alleged excessive use of force since 2015. That's when former University of Cincinnati Police officer Ray Tensing was indicted for murder in the fatal shooting of Sam DuBose. Two separate juries declined to convict Tensing after trials.