A former Boyle County Sheriff's Deputy, Tanner M. Abbott, 31, was sentenced today to 110 months in federal prison for violating the constitutional rights of multiple individuals he arrested during his time in law enforcement.
Abbott was convicted in March on five felony charges and one misdemeanor related to using excessive force against four arrestees, conducting an illegal search, and writing and conspiring to write false police reports to cover up his actions.
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The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky presented evidence that Abbott's crimes were part of a larger pattern of abuse of power throughout his career. U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV stated, "Instead of protecting and serving the community, the defendant was physically abusing people — even bragging about the injuries he caused. That is not law enforcement; that is brazen criminal conduct."
The sentencing hearing revealed that Abbott's actions included punching, kicking, and choking arrestees, even when they were handcuffed and posed no threat. He also fabricated evidence and coerced a fellow deputy to write false reports to conceal his misconduct.
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The FBI, who investigated the case, emphasized the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions. "When the FBI learns of allegations of color of law violations, they are taken seriously and investigated rigorously," said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office.
Abbott's sentencing serves as a reminder that those in positions of power must be held to the highest standards of conduct. The U.S. Attorney's Office hopes this case will deter future abuses of authority and ensure the protection of civil rights for all individuals.
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