South Carolina Sheriff Acquitted in Federal Civil Rights Violation Case

A South Carolina sheriff who told a deputy to repeatedly shock an uncooperative inmate with a Taser has been found not guilty of violating federal civil rights.

Former Marlboro County Sheriff Charles Lemon expressed relief after the verdict, saying, “Thank the good Lord, I’m probably going to go to sleep thanking the good Lord.

Lemon was arrested and suspended in 2021 after a body camera video showed him ordering a deputy to shock inmate Harrel Johnson six times, yelling, “Pop it to him.

Lemon, who was not seeking re-election, was set to finish his term this year.

The FBI and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigated the incident, and the state initially charged Lemon and his deputy. However, those charges were dropped in March 2024, leading to Lemon being charged in federal court with civil rights violations.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Lemon wasn’t certified to use a Taser and shouldn’t have ordered its use. A South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy member testified that officers are only allowed to use a Taser on someone three times.

Lemon defended his actions, saying he got involved because he knew Johnson’s family and thought he could help get Johnson, who had mental health issues, to cooperate.

A defense expert claimed the six shocks were not excessive because Johnson lunged at the officers after his handcuffs were removed.

Lemon’s lawyer, Morgan Martin, said, “Charles didn’t want to plead guilty because he didn’t think he was guilty. The jury agreed that his actions were justified.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in South Carolina expressed disappointment with the verdict but said they respect the jury’s decision.

Lemon’s deputy, Andrew Cook, had already pleaded guilty to a federal charge earlier this year.

The state attorney general’s office is considering whether to pursue new charges against Lemon.