Richmond County Deputies Arrested, One Assaulted Inmate

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office says three deputies have been charged and terminated in connection with the alleged assault on an inmate at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center earlier this week.

Deputy Jailer Michael Rivera is accused of assaulting the inmate October 4 following a verbal altercation.  According to a statement from the sheriff's office, "Rivera threatened harm to the inmate and went to the cellblock, chased the inmate around the dayroom striking the inmate with a writing pen while swinging at the inmate to hit him."

Rivera has since been charged with Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats and Acts, and Violation of Oath of Office by Public Officer.

Meanwhile, authorities say Deputy Jailer Eric Donald and Deputy Arnold Verge were present at the time Rivera made the threat and failed to act to prevent the assault on the inmate.  Both have been charged with Violation of Oath of Office by Public Officer.

All three were terminated today from the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.