A former Denver sheriff’s deputy caught on tape slapping an uncooperative DUI suspect in March has been found not guilty on misdemeanor assault and harassment charges.
Anne Kelly’s attorney won over jurors Wednesday, arguing that Kelly struck the woman in self defense and to maintain order at the detention facility. Both are allowed by law, according defense lawyer Don Sisson.
Prosecutors alleged excessive force and pointed out during the two-day trial that nearly a minute elapsed between the inmate severely scratching Kelly’s arm and the slap.
Now Kelly, who was fired from the sheriff’s department after eight years, wants her job back.
“She feels totally vindicated. At this point, we are appealing her termination to the Career Service Authority,” Sisson said. “At the end of her day, she was just doing her job. You are allowed to use physical force to maintain order and discipline in a jail facility.”
During the March 25 incident, Felicity Tierney refused to remove a diamond ring and fought two deputies who tried to take it from her.
The scratch she delivered to Kelly, 51 , drew blood.
Tierney, 36, was charged with assault on a peace officer, but the Denver District Attorney’s Office dismissed the charge.
She pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired last month and was sentenced to supervised probation.
Jessica Fender: 303-954-1244 or jfender@denverpost.com.
