Deputy charged with assault after incident at Hamilton County Justice Center

A Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy has been charged with assault after an incident involving an inmate at the Hamilton County Justice Center.

Rick Johnson, 31, serves in the jails services division. He is now facing assault charges after a complaint that excessive force was used on an inmate.

Johnson was arrested and processed at the Hamilton County Justice Center on Monday at around 11 a.m.

He has been charged with a misdemeanor count of assault. According to a press release from the Sheriff's office, "the charge is a result of excessive use of force on the part of Deputy Johnson toward a prisoner at the Hamilton County Justice Center on April 19, 2021."

The release says a video shows the deputy shoving a handcuffed man up against the wall and then throwing him to the ground. Court documents say that the handcuffed man got a laceration above his eye after being shoved to the floor.

The Enquirer has requested additional documents concerning all parties involved.

Johnson had an "extensive review" by the Professional Standards Division and the Criminal Investigations Section in the Sheriff's office. The case was referred to the Prosecutor's Office.

Johnson was immediately suspended with pay, and will remain in that status pending prosecution, according to a press release.

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken following the outcome of the prosecution, the release said.

“The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for excessive use of force. We will be transparent and continue to prioritize a policy of accountability for inappropriate behavior," said Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey. "Under my administration, Sheriff’s deputies will serve with integrity, and support policies that strengthen trust within our communities.”