Deputy Chad Estep has been named in multiple federal lawsuits alleging excessive force. In January 2021, Estep and Deputy James Coffey allegedly threw Robert L. Coker to the ground without cause, handcuffed him, and used a Taser on him multiple times, despite Coker being restrained and pleading for them to stop. Coker was charged with resisting arrest, but the charge was dismissed. The lawsuit claims the deputies violated Coker’s rights and used excessive force. In a separate incident in July 2020, Estep allegedly pulled over Timothy Curnutt and brutally beat him, resulting in permanent brain damage. Curnutt received no medical attention until 13 days later when he was found unresponsive. Both lawsuits allege a failure by Sheriff Todd Shelley to properly train and supervise Estep.
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