Ex-Georgia Deputy Sentenced to Federal Prison for Beating Black Detainee
A former Georgia sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for the brutal beating of a Black detainee in a Camden County jail cell—an assault that was caught on surveillance video and sparked outrage nationwide.
On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge sentenced 27-year-old Ryan Biegel, a former deputy with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, after he pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of Jarrett Hobbs by using excessive and unreasonable force.
The incident occurred on September 3, 2022, at the Camden County jail near the Georgia-Florida line. Hobbs, a 41-year-old man from Greensboro, North Carolina, had been arrested on traffic violations and minor drug charges. But instead of being held peacefully, he became the victim of what his attorneys called a “merciless” beating at the hands of jail guards.
Security footage from that night shows Hobbs standing alone in his cell when five deputies suddenly enter. The video captures at least three deputies—including Biegel—punching Hobbs in the head and neck. Moments later, Hobbs is violently dragged out of the cell and thrown against a wall.
The footage was not initially released to the public. It only came to light more than two months later when Hobbs’ attorneys, Harry Daniels and Bakari Sellers, obtained the video and shared it with media outlets. The release of the footage led to the termination and arrest of Biegel and two other deputies involved—all of whom are white.
In a statement, Hobbs’ legal team said:
“Let this sentence serve as some solace to everyone who has been terrorized by violence masquerading as law and order and a warning to their brutalizers. Your badge will not protect you any more than it protected Ryan Biegel.”
While Biegel is the only one of the three deputies facing federal charges, all three still face state charges in Camden County, including battery and violation of oath of office.
Adding insult to injury, Hobbs was the one initially charged with aggravated battery, simple assault, and obstruction after the beating. Those charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence, along with the original traffic and drug charges that led to his arrest.
In a move to avoid a civil lawsuit, Camden County officials paid Hobbs a financial settlement. The exact amount was not disclosed.
Biegel’s attorney, Adrienne Browning, declined to comment following the sentencing.
The case has become emblematic of the broader national discussion around police brutality, racial injustice, and accountability in law enforcement. Advocates hope the sentence sets a precedent and sends a message to officers who abuse their authority.
As Hobbs continues to recover from the physical and emotional trauma, civil rights advocates point to this case as a rare but important instance of justice being served—albeit delayed.
