DENVER — A video that was released Friday as part of a Denver Sheriff’s Office internal affairs investigation appears to show a deputy choking an inmate.
The video was obtained by FOX31 Denver after it was ordered unsealed by a judge on Friday.
The date and time stamp on the video shows it was recorded on July 31, 2011, and, according to the internal investigation, it involves former inmate Jamal Hunter, who has since filed a civil lawsuit against the city.
Deputy Edward Keller was identified in the investigation as the uniformed law enforcement agent seen choking Hunter inside his cell. Sgt. Anthony Mazzei was identified as the officer seen Tasing Hunter twice.
Both were part of a group of five officers seen banding together in an apparent effort to subdue Hunter, who was on the ground before three of the officers arrived in the cell.
Keller received a 30-day suspension after the incident, which “involved a demonstrable, serious risk to the inmate” according to the internal affairs report. Keller is also named in Hunter’s civil suit.