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Former Marion County Sheriff Deputy Pleads Not Guilty to Civil Rights Violation

Former Marion County Sheriff Deputy Jesse Terrell pleaded not guilty Thursday, Feb. 4  after being charged for violation of civil rights by the U.S Justice Department.

This follows the case in which Terrell, along with four other former officers, were captured on tape arresting Derrick Price.

After an internal investigation into the officers’ use of excessive force, Terrell was fired and the other four officers resigned. Terrell is the only officer involved to plead not guilty.

Terrell signed a release form agreeing to not commit any offenses, have a firearm or obtain new travel documents while on release before the trial.

In terms with the release, he agreed to notify the court, Pretrial Services Office, defense counsel and the U.S. Attorney in writing if there are any changes to his address or telephone. He also agreed to keep his job.

Violating any of the conditions of his release will result in different penalties including fines or a warrant for arrest or both.

A status conference is scheduled for March 24, before U.S. District Court Wm. Terrell Hodges at the federal courthouse in Ocala.

The trial is set to go before Hodges April 4.

Claire is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.