James Myron Mitchell
Sheriff Jim Hammond said he does not believe two deputies who searched and arrested a man last Wednesday used excessive force.
He said, "I'm not seeing what others are saying in the newspaper that they see. But that's up to the courts to decide."
James Myron Mitchell is facing drug charges as well as resisting arrest and tampering with evidence. He is due in General Sessions Court on July 25.
The two deputies were placed on paid administrative leave after District Attorney Neal Pinkston called a press conference and said he had alerted various agencies, including the FBI, about the case after watching a dash cam video.
Sheriff Hammond said he watched the same video and believes the deputies did not stray from procedure. He said when Mitchell continued to resist that the officers punched him in the side. He said that is according to procedure when a defendant resists.
The sheriff said the woman who was with Mitchell "kept telling him to 'do what they tell you.' Do what they tell you.' "
He said the officers had concerns that Mitchell might have a weapon in his crotch area.
The sheriff said the search around the crotch was not a "cavity" search, saying the deputies did not go into any cavity while retrieving a needle and some drugs, including cocaine.
Sheriff Hammond said he was contacted by the Marion County Sheriff's Office after authorities there read news reports about the 41-year-old Mitchell.
He said he was advised, "We've been looking for him" on an assault charge. Sheriff Hammond said that related to Mitchell "putting a woman in the hospital."
Mitchell, who has an extensive criminal record, was afterward taken to Marion County to be booked.