NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – A former Nassau County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested and accused of battery and using “unnecessary and unjustified” force on an intoxicated person, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department (NCSD).
An investigation began last month regarding an incident in Callahan where Dale Hutcherson, 40, encountered an intoxicated individual lying on the road.
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The sheriff’s office said Hutcherson used excessive force while escorting the person out of the road. There was no physical altercation or imminent danger that warranted the excessive force, NCSD said.
In his report, Hutcherson also provided false statements about the events leading up to the excessive force.
“We are extremely disappointed to have to arrest one of our own deputies, but we have an obligation to hold all of our employees accountable when they break the law and violate the public’s trust,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said. “This type of behavior is unacceptable and goes against everything we stand for at the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. We have strict policies and training in place regarding use of force, and we expect all our deputies to follow those guidelines without exception.”
Hutcherson worked for the sheriff’s office for roughly two years.
On Nov. 7, the State Attorney’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Hutcherson, who was immediately taken into custody.