Former Hapeville officer charged with excessive force against handcuffed detainee

Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia

Shevoy Brown, a former officer of the Hapeville Police Department in Georgia, faces charges for allegedly using excessive force. The charges stem from an incident where Brown reportedly tased a handcuffed detainee multiple times without legal justification. The detainee had been arrested for trespassing and was secured in a holding cell at the time.

Acting United States Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. stated, “Our local law enforcement partners employ dedicated officers who risk their lives and safety every day to help make our district safer. This indictment alleges conduct by a former officer that runs counter to the culture of professionalism and public service that epitomizes the work performed by police officers in and outside our district.”

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown emphasized the importance of humane treatment for those under arrest, stating, “People being held under arrest have the right to be treated humanely. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect the civil rights of the public and ensure those who abuse their power are held responsible.”

The incident occurred on June 3, 2024, when officers from the Hapeville Police Department arrested a man for trespassing. While detained alone in a small cell and handcuffed to a bench, Brown allegedly used his taser on him six times. The detainee required medical attention due to injuries sustained during this incident.

Brown is also accused of attempting to cover up his actions by filing a false use of force report. In addition to excessive force charges, he faces obstruction of justice allegations.

The arraignment took place before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard after Brown's indictment by a federal grand jury on February 12, 2025.

Authorities remind the public that an indictment only consists of charges; Brown is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation with support from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Brent Alan Gray and Bret R. Hobson are handling prosecution duties.

For more information, contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or call (404) 581-6280.