Shevoy Brown, a former officer with the Hapeville Police Department in Georgia, has been charged with using excessive force after allegedly tasing a handcuffed detainee multiple times. The incident occurred on June 3, 2024, when officers arrested a man for trespassing and took him to the department's headquarters. The detainee was placed alone in a holding cell and handcuffed to a bench. Despite posing no threat, Brown is accused of tasing the individual at least six times without legal justification, resulting in injuries that required medical attention.
Acting United States Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr., commented on the case: “Our local law enforcement partners employ dedicated officers who risk their lives and safety every day to help make our district safer. This indictment alleges conduct by a former officer that runs counter to the culture of professionalism and public service that epitomizes the work performed by police officers in and outside our district.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown stated: “People being held under arrest have the right to be treated humanely. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect the civil rights of the public and ensure those who abuse their power are held responsible.”
In addition to charges of excessive force, Brown faces obstruction of justice for allegedly filing a false use of force report to conceal his actions. He was arraigned before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard following an indictment by a federal grand jury on February 12, 2025.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with support from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Brent Alan Gray and Bret R. Hobson are handling prosecution duties.
It is important to note that an indictment only contains charges; Brown is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. Additional details can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Northern District of Georgia at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.