A federal grand jury has indicted Buck William Aldridge, a sergeant with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, on charges of civil rights violations and falsifying records. The indictment includes thirteen counts, alleging that Aldridge used excessive force against arrestees on four separate occasions while serving as a deputy sheriff. It also accuses him of preparing misleading reports to justify his actions.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia and FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. The FBI’s Brunswick Field Office is leading the investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Aldridge could face up to 10 years in prison for each civil rights violation and up to 20 years for each count of falsifying records. Sentencing would be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Law enforcement officers are entrusted with the authority to uphold the law—not to break it. When that trust is violated, the FBI will act. No badge puts anyone above the Constitution,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “We remain committed to investigating civil rights violations and holding accountable those who abuse their power.”
Officials emphasized that an indictment is only an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.