PHOENIX — A Maricopa County Sheriff's Office detention officer was arrested Monday afternoon on assault charges.
Anthony Nguyen, 48, is accused of excessive force after he deployed his Taser on an inmate back in February.
According to court documents, Anthony Nguyen escorted the inmate into a bathroom stall, ordered him to put his hands on the wall and used a taser on him twice on his back.
Documents state Nguyen later admitted to using a taser on the inmate as a form of punishment for "horseplaying", adding what he did was wrong and he should of handled the situation differently. Documents state three other inmates witnessed Nguyen and the inmate entering and leaving the restroom together, however video also captured the two leaving the restroom, but no video of the actual incident was recorded because it took place inside the stall.
MCSO found the tasing outside of department policy and Nguyen has been on administrative leave since the incident.
The Sheriff's Office says they are currently in the process of terminating his employment.
"Although I recognize the inherent dangers and challenges that our detention officer's face every day, I will neither ignore nor excuse actions in violation of the law or in conflict with our oath of office," said Sheriff Paul Penzone. "We will continue to uphold standards to reflect the commitment and integrity of the men and women in this organization who work to ensure we protect the community's trust."
