Former Erie Co. Sheriff Sergeant pleads not guilty to deprivation of rights charge

ERIE COUNTY, Ohio (WTVG) - Former Erie Co. Sheriff Sergeant pleads not guilty to deprivation of rights charge.

Adam Bess, 34, who was charged with deprivation of rights after willfully using unreasonable force on a victim, plead not guilty on Aug. 16.

According to court records, a Telephone Pretrial Conference is set for Oct. 13, 2022. Bess was released on on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

Bess was indicted on Aug. 4, 2022. The indictment stated that Bess, of Sandusky, was accused of choking a victim while acting under the color of law on Nov. 1, 2021. As a result of the incident, the victim allegedly suffered bodily injury.

The Department of Justice says if Bess is convicted, his sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to this case. This includes the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offenses and the characteristics of the violation.

This case was investigated by the Toledo FBI and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Freeman and Tracey B. Tangeman.

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