Richmond County Deputy Indicted Following Internal Use-of-Force Investigation
AUGUSTA, Ga. A Richmond County sheriff’s deputy has been indicted following an internal investigation into a January use-of-force incident that occurred during a traffic stop, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on Jan. 11, 2026, at approximately 2:40 a.m., when Deputy Clarence Johnson V was conducting a traffic stop at the intersection of Broad Street and 4th Street. Authorities said Johnson encountered an unruly adult male who was not involved in the traffic stop and used force while taking the individual into custody.
As part of the sheriff’s office’s standard review process, a supervisor examined Johnson’s body-worn camera footage and determined the use of force required further review. The case was referred to the Internal Affairs Division for an administrative investigation.
On Jan. 14, the Internal Affairs Division concluded that Johnson had used unnecessary force during the incident. The sheriff’s office imposed disciplinary measures that included a 20-day suspension without pay, probation, removal from the Road Patrol Division, and reassignment to the Jail Transportation Division.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office later received a request from the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office for all materials related to the Jan. 11 incident. The agency said it fully cooperated and provided the requested records.
After learning criminal charges were being considered, Johnson was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the legal process.
On July 8, 2026, following his indictment, Johnson turned himself in at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said it cannot comment further on the pending charges or discuss the specifics of the indictment because the case is now part of an active criminal prosecution.
