Detention Sergeant Charged with Battery
Bryant Brown, a former Boundary County jail employee, faces a charge of aggravated battery after authorities accused him of assaulting an inmate in January 2023. Charges were filed only in September 2023.
Case Details and Court Proceedings
A preliminary hearing for Brown, aged 37, is scheduled for November 17 at the Boundary County Courthouse. Two previous hearings were canceled for unspecified reasons. Brown posted a $50,000 bond and has yet to enter a plea.
Incident Description
The incident occurred on January 3, 2023, involving an inmate who was arrested by Bonners Ferry Police Department for a misdemeanor warrant from Kootenai County. The Herald does not disclose victim names in criminal cases.
According to a probable cause affidavit by Sheriff's Detective Brandon Blackmore, the man was intoxicated, verbally abusive, and uncooperative with jail staff. After a heated verbal exchange with Brown, the inmate entered his holding cell.
Blackmore’s testimony states that Brown pushed the inmate against a glass window in the cell and punched him, causing the inmate’s head to hit a brick wall. The inmate tried to block Brown’s arms to stop the punches but did not resist further.
The affidavit also alleges that Brown grabbed the inmate’s throat with both hands and slammed his head into the brick wall.
Summary
This case highlights serious allegations of inmate abuse by a detention officer currently facing legal proceedings.
Author’s conclusion: The allegations against Bryant Brown underscore critical concerns about the treatment of inmates and accountability in detention facilities.