Written by On January 20, 2018, Deputy Sheriff Lance Kuretza allegedly used excessive force against Quintin Graciano at a Morgantown hotel. Kuretza reportedly punched and elbowed Graciano in the face, handcuffed him, then pepper-sprayed and struck him, resulting in bodily injuries. He was also accused of falsifying the use of force report by claiming the pepper spray was used before handcuffing. In August 2022, Kuretza was federally indicted for depriving Graciano of his civil rights and for writing a false report to cover it up. The incident led to a civil rights lawsuit against Kuretza and others, which resulted in a $175,000 settlement. Kuretza was placed on paid administrative leave following the indictment.
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