Ex-Hamilton County sheriff's deputy who kicked inmate in the head acquitted of assault
A former Hamilton County sheriff's deputy has been acquitted of an assault charge after video showed him kicking an inmate in the head in 2020.
The incident happened in June of 2020 at the Hamilton County Justice Center.
Video showed former Sheriff's Deputy Jesse Franklin, 39, kicking an inmate, Nick Ballachino, in the head while he was handcuffed.
Deters said Ballachino was arrested by Cincinnati police for disorderly conduct while intoxicated and obstructing official business. He was then taken to the justice center for processing.
When Ballachino arrived at the Justice Center, he started to get combative with the officers trying to process him, Deters said. While officers were trying to subdue him, Ballachino bit Franklin’s left foot.
Franklin then immediately kicked Ballachino one time in the head. Franklin was wearing work boots at the time, Deters said.
Ballachino was taken to University Hospital where he was treated and released back to the Justice Center. He suffered a cut above his left eye which required five stitches, Deters said.
Franklin was later terminated from the sheriff's office after an investigation revealed he used excessive force by kicking Ballachino in the head.
Franklin appeared in court for a non-jury trial on Friday where his assault charge was acquitted by Judge Bernie Bouchard.