12 On Your Side Investigates: Richmond County deputy resigns after use-of-force demotion

AUGUSTA, Ga. — A Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been demoted following a use-of-force incident in February 2026, a 12 On Your Side investigation has found.

Newly obtained bodycam footage from a separate 2021 incident also shows Deputy Amanda Donald striking a handcuffed man in the face — conduct that resulted in a letter of reprimand, an online training course, and a written report at the time.

The February 2026 incident

On Feb. 9, 2026, investigators say Donald opened the back door of a patrol car to try to get a suspect to stop kicking a window. According to the report, the suspect kicked Donald’s hand, causing her flashlight to strike her chin…

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