IRC Sheriff Deputy Resigns Following Excessive Force Investigation

VERO BEACH – An Indian River County Sheriff’s deputy has resigned following an investigation into an excessive force complaint.

Internal affairs reviewed a case from December involving the arrrest of Council Bryant, 53, on a charge of domestic violence. The charge was later dropped by the State Attorney’s Office.

The female victim at the home said the suspect punched her in the face twice, according to the sheriff’s report.

Sheriff’s deputies Roger Jones and Jonathan Lozada entered the residence to detain Bryant. The suspect resisted as he was being handcuffed.

During the scuffle, Jones admitted to punching Bryant three times in the face. Deputies then took Bryant to a hospital because of injuries to his face.

Internal affairs concluded Bryant’s resistance was not violent and accused Jones of excessive force resulting in injury. The investigation determined that Jones could be fired.

However, Jones submitted his resignation on January 26th. No criminal charges were ever filed against Jones.

The Sheriff’s Office also suspended Lt. Macen Levan for eight hours because his report in the case was not completed. Also, Jones’ supervisor, Sgt. Ron Garrison, was also suspended for four hours.