A Lee County Jail deputy has been fired and arrested after authorities say he punched a handcuffed inmate in the face.
Former Corrections Deputy Dalton J. Dunlap, 30, is charged with misdemeanor assault, according to Sheriff Jay Jones. He was taken into custody Friday and released after posting bond.
One June 22, sheriff’s corrections deputies were collecting laundry from inmates in the F-Wing section of the jail when one of the inmates escaped from his cell, ran past officers, and proceeded down the cell block, Jones said.
Jail staff pursued the inmate and were able to take him back into custody after a Taser deployment. The inmate was then handcuffed and taken to the floor where he continued to struggle with corrections staff.
During the struggle on the floor to bring the inmate into compliance, the sheriff said, Dunlap hit the inmate in the face with his fist.
Jail medical staff treated the inmate for a swollen lip.
Jones said an investigation was launched and determined Dunlap had violated the agency’s use-of-force policy. He was fired on June 24.
“Our agency personnel are held to a standard of professional conduct in all actions,’’ the sheriff said. “The behavior exhibited in this instance is a clear violation of professional conduct and established agency policy and will not be tolerated.”
