Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Shevoy Brown, a former officer with the Hapeville Police Department in Georgia, faces charges of excessive force for allegedly tasing a handcuffed detainee multiple times. The detainee had been arrested for trespassing and was reportedly not posing any threat when the incident occurred.
Acting United States Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. commented on the indictment: "Our local law enforcement partners employ dedicated officers who risk their lives and safety every day to help make our district safer. This indictment alleges conduct by a former officer that runs counter to the culture of professionalism and public service that epitomizes the work performed by police officers in and outside our district."
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown emphasized the importance of humane treatment for those under arrest: "People being held under arrest have the right to be treated humanely. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect the civil rights of the public and ensure those who abuse their power are held responsible."
The incident took place on June 3, 2024, when Hapeville Police Department officers arrested a man for trespassing. After being transported to headquarters, he was placed alone in a small holding cell and handcuffed to a stationary bench. It is alleged that Brown tased him at least six times without legal justification, resulting in injuries that required medical attention. Brown also faces charges of obstruction of justice for allegedly filing a false use-of-force report.
Brown was arraigned before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard after being indicted by a federal grand jury on February 12, 2025.
The investigation is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with support from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Brent Alan Gray and Bret R. Hobson are prosecuting this case.
Members of the public should note that an indictment contains only charges; Brown is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
For further information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. More details can be found on their website at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
