Ryan Robert Biegel admitted to using excessive force against Jarrett Hobbs during a 2022 incident, which received widespread criticism after a video of the event spread online.
CAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. — The Department of Justice revealed that a former deputy sheriff and jail corporal from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office has been sentenced to 16 months in prison. This punishment is for his involvement in the 2022 assault on a detainee awaiting trial, an incident that attracted nationwide attention.
On January 28, 27-year-old Ryan Robert Biegel confessed to one charge of employing unreasonable force against Jarrett Hobbs, aged 41. At the time, Hobbs was being held at the Camden County jail due to traffic violations and drug possession charges.
All the charges against Hobbs were dropped after a settlement was reached with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.
On Sept. 3, 2022, Biegel and two other correctional officers entered Hobbs’ holding cell before pushing him against a wall and restraining him. Biegel admitted to punching Hobbs five times in the back of the head, and hitting him an additional 22 times in the head and body with his fists and knees, the DOJ said.
In addition to spending 16 months in prison, Biegel will serve three years of supervised release.
The Camden County Sheriff’s Office released a statement following Biegel’s sentencing.
“Biegel, who is no longer employed with this agency, acted outside the values, policies, and professional standards of the Sheriff’s Office. His actions do not reflect the integrity or mission of this agency,” the statement read in part.
“The safety of our staff, inmates, and the public is our top priority,” said Sheriff Kevin Chaney. “Accountability applies to everyone—including law enforcement. We remain committed to transparency and upholding the public’s trust.”
Mason Garrick and Braxton Massey, both corrections officers, were indicted on charges of battery and violation of oath following Hobbs’ beating. First Coast News reached out to investigators for an update on their cases.
