Detention Sergeant Charged with Battery
Bryant Brown, a former Boundary County jail employee, is charged with aggravated battery after allegedly assaulting an inmate in January 2023. Charges were filed in September, and Brown's preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 17 at the Boundary County Courthouse. Previously, two hearing dates were canceled for undisclosed reasons. A $50,000 bond was set and posted, and Brown has not yet entered a plea.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on January 3, 2023, involving an inmate arrested by the Bonners Ferry Police Department. The inmate was wanted on a misdemeanor warrant from Kootenai County. The Herald withholds the victim’s name due to privacy policies.
Affidavit Findings
“The man was intoxicated and verbally abusive and uncooperative toward jail staff. After a heated verbal exchange with Brown, the man entered his holding cell.”
According to Sheriff's Detective Brandon Blackmore’s affidavit, Brown then shoved the inmate against a glass window inside the cell and punched him. The inmate’s head struck a brick wall. Though the inmate tried to block the blows by grabbing Brown’s arms, he did not resist otherwise.
“Brown grabbed the man’s throat with both hands and slammed his head into the brick wall.”
Legal Status
- Charges: Aggravated battery
- Bond: $50,000 (posted)
- Preliminary hearing: November 17
- Plea: Not yet entered
The case highlights serious allegations of excessive force by a detention officer.
Author’s summary: Bryant Brown faces aggravated battery charges for assaulting an intoxicated inmate in custody, with a preliminary hearing set after months of delayed proceedings.