UPDATE: Former Camden County Sheriff’s Office Staff Sgt. Buck William Aldridge, 42, has been indicted on federal civil rights charges for using excessive force and falsifying reports, a significant development announced today. The 13-count indictment comes as part of a growing scrutiny over police conduct in Camden County, Georgia, following multiple instances of alleged misconduct.
The indictment charges Aldridge with violating the rights of four individuals he arrested, detailing incidents where he unjustifiably used a taser, kicked, and punched victims. Notably, the indictment does not mention the fatal shooting of Leonard Cure, a Black man, in October 2023, which had previously drawn public outcry and a federal lawsuit seeking $16 million from Aldridge and former Sheriff Jim Proctor.
Authorities report that Aldridge resigned from his position today after being asked to step down by the Camden County Sheriff’s Office. This resignation follows a history of disciplinary actions against him, including a prior firing from the Kingsland Police Department for using unnecessary force. His pattern of behavior raises alarming questions about the hiring practices of the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, which advocates claim have allowed violent officers to remain on the force.
The indictment details shocking allegations, including an incident in January 2021 where Aldridge is accused of unjustifiably tasing and kicking an individual, causing injury. In August 2021, he allegedly used a taser on a handcuffed victim, compressing their neck with the taser grip. Further accusations include tasing a victim in the back of the head in August 2023 and using excessive force during a June 2022 arrest.
Harry Daniels, attorney for the Cure family, expressed optimism regarding the indictment, stating, “I think it helps our case tremendously,” citing Aldridge’s long history of excessive force. The indictment reveals that Aldridge attempted to cover up his actions by omitting critical details from his reports, including instances of violence against victims.
The FBI is actively investigating Aldridge’s actions. Current Camden County Sheriff Kevin Chaney emphasized the office’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating, “Our duty is to serve the citizens of Camden County with integrity and professionalism.”
Community leaders are voicing their concerns as well. Timothy Bessent, president of the Camden County NAACP, remarked on the indictment’s significance, acknowledging the need for justice for victims of police misconduct. He expressed disappointment that the indictment did not include references to Cure, indicating a broader issue of accountability within the department.
As this story develops, the investigation continues, with significant implications for law enforcement practices in Camden County and beyond. The next steps will be closely monitored as federal prosecutors pursue accountability for Aldridge’s alleged abuses of power.
Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.