A former Pike County Sheriff’s Office deputy, Jeremy C. Mooney, has been found guilty by a federal jury in Columbus of civil rights violations for his involvement in the violent and unlawful beating of a jail inmate in November 2019. The shocking incident, which lasted over an hour, was captured on the sheriff’s office’s video security system.
The video footage revealed the extent of the violence, with Mooney repeatedly striking the defenseless inmate, even breaking his own hand during the attack.
Mooney had attempted to claim workman’s compensation for the injury he sustained while brutally beating Friend. This grotesque incident occurred at the sheriff’s office headquarters in Waverly, located approximately 60 miles south of Columbus.
Mooney, 48, now faces the possibility of up to 10 years in prison for his actions during the brutal beating. The victim, Thomas Friend, 27, had been charged with disorderly conduct and was restrained in a prisoner-restraining chair at the time of the assault.
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Another officer present during the incident, Sgt. Bill Stansberry, who served as Mooney’s supervisor at the time, was initially demoted to corporal and suspended for two weeks as a result of the investigation. Stansberry recently pleaded guilty to deprivation of civil rights under color of law.
As the legal process unfolds, it is hoped that justice will be served not only for the victim, Thomas Friend, but also for the community that relies on law enforcement agencies to protect and uphold their rights.
