The Chester County sheriff, chief deputy and a lieutenant were indicted Tuesday on federal charges related to conspiracy to cover up an unlawful arrest and using excessive force. The eight-count indictment stems from an incident that happened on Nov. 20, 2018.
Sheriff George A. Underwood, Lt. Johnny R. Neal Jr. and Chief Deputy Robert A. Sprouse responded to a car wreck and a fleeing suspect on Lancaster Highway in Fort Lawn.
The indictment says a nearby resident saw the police activity and started streaming a video on Facebook Live with his cellphone from his yard.
Underwood approached the resident and told him to stay on his porch, but he remained in his yard, according to the indictment. Underwood left and went onto the resident’s porch and “lunged out to grab and restrain (the resident) by his torso” and demanded that he turn over his phone, according to the indictment.
Underwood said he was attempting to place the resident under arrest. Neal helped Underwood arrest the resident and take him to the county jail.
While he was handcuffed, the resident suffered injuries to his head and elbow, according to the indictment. His phone was reportedly taken without a warrant.
He was in jail for three nights.
“Today, we announce the worst kind of charges: Allegations of wrongdoing on the part of law enforcement,” U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon said in a statement. “Those who swear to protect and uphold the law, while at the same time using their positions of power to hide their own violations of the law, will be held accountable. The American system of government depends on those in power obeying the rules and ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and equally.”
Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order on Tuesday suspending Underwood and appointing Donald “Max” Dorsey, with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, to serve as sheriff. Dorsey will serve as sheriff until Underwood is convicted, acquitted or the indictment is disposed of or until a new sheriff is elected in the next general election.
Underwood, Neal and Sprouse will have their first court appearances May 21.