Written by: Sam Orlando
Augusta County Sheriff’s Office Legal Woes Grow
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – The legal woes of the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office keep growing. A lawsuit that has put the actions of several Augusta County deputies under scrutiny is moving forward to trial, as ordered by a federal judge in Charlottesville. The case, brought forward by Marvin Harris against deputies Christopher Hilliard, Christopher Rosemeier, Charles Taylor, Jr., and Jonathan Wells, details a harrowing encounter that occurred on October 8, 2020, shedding light on allegations of excessive force and misconduct.
Wrong Place, Wrong Time
According to Harris, the ordeal began when he received a distressing call from an old friend, Jennifer Hartman, pleading for help with moving furniture as she faced an imminent need to vacate her house, according to the complaint. Despite initially declining due to his own commitments and lack of transportation, Harris was persuaded to assist after Hartman offered to pick him up and ensure his return upon completion of the task. However, the day took an unexpected turn as, after a brief stop for cigarettes where Harris remained in the car for over thirty minutes, he expressed a desire to return home, a request Hartman refused, driving in the opposite direction instead, according to his complaint.