Hamilton County deputy fired for use of excessive force

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article erroneously titled Jesse Franklin as a Cincinnati Police Officer. He is, instead, a Hamilton County Sheriff's deputy. This article has been corrected to reflect that.

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy has been fired.

Sergeant Jesse Franklin's employment was terminated after an investigation revealed that he used excessive force.

The incident in question took place on June 9. Nick Ballachino had been arrested by Cincinnati Police and taken to the jail.

When jail deputies tried to search him, a struggle ensued, according to surveillance camera footage released Thursday. Deputies took Ballachino to the ground, and Franklin is seen watching. According to news releases, Ballanchino bit Franklin’s foot, but the sergeant was wearing work boots.

He then kicks the suspect in the head. In a press conference Thursday, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil said Ballachino was on the ground and handcuffed at the time. Shortly after, Neil suspended Franklin's police powers and launched an investigation, leading to Thursday’s announcement of an indictment.

"As sheriff of Hamilton County, Ohio, I am outraged and shocked by this outrageous conduct. These actions are inconsistent with our training and will not be tolerated under my watch,” Neil said at a press conference.

Nick Ballachino and his attorneys, Michael Wright and Fanon Rucker, previously called for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputy to be fired, charged with violating Ballachino’s civil rights and be barred from working in law enforcement again.

[kevindragonbringer]

did the Officer feel the bite, cause i wear boots and there is no way i would feel some guy biting my foot with these things on, mine are steal toed boots

[brokensteel]

A hand cuffed prisoner who couldnt do anything to hurt the cops or even to defend himself, kicked in the head smh the police that infringe on rights and enforce feelings need to be fired

[kevingr]

The officer didn’t kick him! It was the boot! The boot did it! Defund the boots!

[widndn]

I can bet you if this guy had been a little more civil to the what...he would not have been kicked in the head, the cops a a hole for kicking him, but I cant really blame him.

[nateflannery]

Damn. A lot of foot shit going on in this incident.

[zebontheweb]

A guy in my town was instantly killed while sitting on the sidewalk and a guy booted him in the head like that. It tore an artery in his neck and he just slumped over, all life left his body.

[JohnJ-fjxe]

I just wish the a valid punishment for this sort of thing would be for one of the Deputy's family members to be kicked in the head by a large cop. Just one kick, while the person is handcuffed and lying face down. Just one. Of course, the pig would be made to watch, which would be the best part.

[georgescott]

sue them thats what evreyone else does

[tshocc]

Damn now they kno where not to kick downed inmates they gotta find a blind spot now

[muezzathestray]

And they want to defund these wonderful civil servants?! (insert sarcasm.)

[edp]

If it was the officers first offense he should’ve got suspended and taking an anger management course by the department, not fire it wasn’t a beat down, and the officer did it again obviously he would be fired, because the animal is going to sue the city anyway,

[DefectiveWanderer]

Oh man. You know this wasn't his first rodeo.

[michaelroberts]

He did attack the cop but kicking him might've been a bit to accseive.

[stevekain]

BLM : "is the victim black??? is he black???? nah, never mind"

[momintim]

no lie when he bites on the cops boot i burst out laughing. For some reason in my head i can hear the guy saying while biting lol

[MM-qqfb]

Resisting arrest and not listening to orders. Police had every right to subdue the person and well, he ended up with a lump on his face. Good policing. Come to Portland and get these terrorists out of this city for us!

[chromaticturtle]

Tried to bite the SGT. foot he kicked him off nothing excessive about that