Aaron Jason Strong, a former lieutenant with the New Castle Police Department, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison. The sentence follows his conviction for using excessive force against individuals in custody and attempting to obstruct justice by misleading investigators.
On October 4, 2024, a federal jury found Strong guilty of three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of witness tampering. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Strong had intentionally used excessive force on multiple occasions.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division commented on the sentencing: “The severe sentence imposed on this former law enforcement official should send a clear message: ‘street justice’ has no place in 21st-century policing and violators will be held accountable.” She further emphasized that Strong's actions represented "vicious and lawless abuse" not fitting for modern law enforcement.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, also spoke about the case: “Aaron Strong viciously beat, stomped, and shot three defenseless men with no lawful justification—causing serious injuries including a fractured spine.” He added that after other officers reported these abuses, Strong attempted to cover up his crimes by lying. Myers highlighted that while most police officers serve honorably, cases like this make their profession more challenging.
The incidents leading to Strong's conviction included an August 2019 event where he responded to another officer’s report of a foot chase. Despite the suspect surrendering peacefully, Strong struck him repeatedly with a metal baton. Other officers promptly reported this behavior, prompting an independent investigation by the Indiana State Police. During this investigation, Strong provided false information about his actions.
Strong was also found guilty of using excessive force against two detainees at a low-security annex of Henry County jail. In one instance, he stomped on a compliant detainee's head; in another case, he shot an inmate with a less-lethal round at close range causing serious injury.
The FBI Indianapolis Field Office and Indiana State Police led the investigation with help from the New Castle Police Department. Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt delivered the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Myers extended thanks to Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett and Trial Attorney Alec Ward from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division for prosecuting the case.
For those who have concerns regarding civil rights violations in Southern Indiana, reports can be submitted via email or through an online form provided by their office.