A Georgia Department of Corrections officer has been sentenced to prison for attacking an inmate at the Floyd County Jail. Joshua Lee Riddle, 32, was sentenced to two years in prison followed by eight years of probation after pleading guilty to battery, cruelty to an inmate, and violating his oath of office. The attack happened in November while the inmate was being transported to a state prison.
Prosecutors said Riddle severely beat the inmate and threatened to kill him, causing lasting hearing and vision problems. Four other people were charged in connection with the case, though charges against one defendant were later dropped.
Despite Riddle’s 10-year work history and cooperation with investigators, prosecutors and the judge said the sentence was necessary. Judge Kay Ann King said corrections officers are not allowed to punish inmates, regardless of the crimes they committed.
