Aaron Jason Strong, Excessive Force, Indiana 2024
A former New Castle, Indiana police lieutenant has been sentenced to 151 months in prison for using excessive force against people in custody and attempting to deceive investigators.
Aaron Jason Strong, 47, was convicted on Oct. 4, 2024, of three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of witness tampering, following a federal jury trial.
The severe sentence imposed on this former law enforcement official should send a clear message: 'street justice' has no place in 21st-century policing and violators will be held accountable, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.
Strong was found to have intentionally used excessive force against three defenseless men, causing serious injuries including a fractured spine, said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. He lied in an attempt to cover up his crimes after good officers horrified by these abuses reported his actions.
The evidence presented at trial established that Strong used excessive force against three men on multiple occasions, including in August 2019, when he responded to a foot chase and struck a suspect at least 12 times with a metal police baton.
Aaron Jason Strong viciously beat, stomped, and shot three defenseless men with no lawful justification, causing serious injuries including a fractured spine, said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. After good officers horrified by these abuses reported his actions, Strong lied in an attempt to cover up his crimes.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Indiana State Police. The FBI will continue to protect the civil rights of the public and ensure those who abuse their power are held responsible, said Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office.
Aaron Jason Strong of New Castle, Indiana, was sentenced to 151 months in prison for deprivation of rights under color of law and obstruction of justice.
Deprivation of rights under color of law (three counts), obstruction of justice
New Castle, Indiana
Oct. 4, 2024
151 months in prison
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →