Deputy James Coffey was involved in a federal lawsuit filed by Robert L. Coker, alleging excessive force during an incident in January 2021. Coffey and Deputy Chad Estep allegedly threw 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. The complaint also alleges a failure by Sheriff Todd Shelley to properly train and supervise the deputies.
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