A federal judge has denied Victor Hill’s request to remain free pending appeal of his conviction.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the ruling paves the way for the former Clayton County sheriff to be incarcerated next Monday in an Arkansas prison.
U.S. District Court Judge Eleanor Ross said Friday that she did not think arguments made by Hill’s attorneys would “present substantial questions of law that might change the outcome of his conviction upon appeal,” according to documents filed with the court.
Last October, Hill was convicted by a federal jury of violating the civil rights of six detainees of the Clayton County Jail by ordering them strapped to restraint chairs as punishment. Under federal law, the chairs can only be used if detainees are at risk of harming themselves or others.
In June 2021, Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Hill from his position as sheriff after he was indicted on federal charges. He was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
According to federal court documents, Hill will have to report to FCI Forrest City Low in Forest City, Arkansas by 12 p.m. on May 15 to serve his sentence.
Hill’s defense attorney Drew Findling said they plan to fight the decision and free Hill: “You can rest assured that this case on behalf of Victor Hill will be appealed and I can imagine, and we collectively can imagine that like in other cases…the case will be reversed.”
Two months after the verdict, the state of Georgia revoked the law enforcement certification for Hill. Under Georgia law and POST rules, an officer is not allowed to continue in that capacity with a felony conviction.
A special election held last month to elect Hill’s replacement went into a runoff, with Levon Allen ultimately winning his first official term as sheriff.
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