Former Kentucky sheriff's deputy convicted of abusing arrestees

A former Boyle County sheriff's deputy, Tanner M. Abbott, 31, was sentenced today to 110 months in federal prison for violating the constitutional rights of several people he arrested while in the law enforcement.

Abbott was convicted in March of five counts and a misdemeanor related to using excessive force against four arrestees, conducting an unlawful search, and drafting and conspiring to commit writing false police reports to cover up his actions.

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The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky presented evidence that Abbott's crimes were part of a broader pattern of abuse of power throughout his career. United States Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV said: “Instead of protecting and serving the community, the defendant physically abused people – even bragging about the injuries he caused. This is not law enforcement; This is brazen criminal conduct.

The sentencing hearing revealed that Abbott's actions included punching, kicking and choking those arrested, even when they were handcuffed and posed no threat. He also fabricated evidence and coerced a fellow deputy into writing false reports to cover up his misconduct.

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The FBI, which investigated the case, stressed the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions. “When the FBI becomes aware of allegations of violations of the law, they are taken seriously and rigorously investigated,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI’s Louisville Field Office.

Abbott's conviction serves as a reminder that those in positions of power must be held to the highest standards of conduct. The U.S. Attorney's Office hopes that this case will deter future abuses of authority and ensure that the civil rights of all individuals are protected.

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