Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Friday announced charges have been filed by her Public Integrity Unit against a Gogebic County Sheriff’s Deputy.
The charges against Deputy Scott Voit, and stem from a February, 2020, incident when he allegedly ordered an inmate to kneel in order to remove handcuffs from him. Nessel says that before the inmate could fully kneel down, Voit threw the inmate to the ground to remove the handcuffs, which was caught on video. The Michigan State Police investigated the complaint.
“It is imperative that those willing to protect and serve do so with utmost integrity,” Nessel said. “In instances where officers abuse their power and therefore disrespect the badge, our team stands ready to ensure accountability.”
Video evidence of the incident shows that the inmate was not resisting the handcuff removal. After examination and tests, the inmate was diagnosed with abrasions on his wrists, a contusion on his back, and a rib fracture.
Voit will be charged with the following in the 98th District Court at an arraignment on June 21st:
- one count of assault and battery, a 93-day misdemeanor; and
- one count of misconduct in office by a public official, a five-year felony.
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