A former deputy with Coweta County has been arrested and charged with excessive force against a fully restrained inmate. Justin Alexander Woods, 29, who previously worked at the Coweta County Jail in Georgia, is now facing potential time behind bars—the same facility where the incident occurred.
Following reports of an altercation on February 24, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was called in to independently look into the matter. The investigation revealed that Woods allegedly hit and tased an inmate during a dispute, despite the individual being fully restrained, as reported by WSBTV. The severity of the inmate's injuries was not disclosed.
Other officers from the detention facility reportedly witnessed the incident, prompting immediate scrutiny and procedural actions. Coweta County Sheriff Lenn Wood released a statement, provided to FOX 5 Atlanta, which acknowledged the event and the consequent steps taken by his office: "In February of 2025, The Office of Professional Standards was made aware of an incident involving former Corporal Justin Woods alleging the use of inappropriate force on an inmate in the Coweta County Detention Center." Woods resigned from his position prior to the conclusion of the internal investigation.
The charges Woods faces include battery, simple battery, and violation of oath by a public officer. It remains an ongoing investigation, and as the GBI continues to piece together the events that led to the alleged assault, the public is urged to come forward with any information. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or by using the See Something, Send Something mobile app, according to details offered by the GBI.
