UGA student sues officer accused of beating him in 2015

November 8, 2016

Collins Parker,

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) – A University of Georgia student is suing after he was beaten last year by an Athens-Clarke County police officer who was fired and charged with assault.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports that attorneys representing Michael Roquet filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Clarke County court following the June 2015 incident involving then-Senior Police Officer Jonathan Fraser.

The lawsuit says the county is liable for failing to re-train, discipline or fire Fraser, who previously used excessive force against civilians.

Body camera footage shows Fraser repeatedly striking an intoxicated Roquet with a baton, even though investigators found the student was never aggressive toward the officer.

The lawsuit says Fraser didn’t seek medical attention for Roquet, who was later diagnosed with a concussion.

Fraser was charged last year with assault but has yet to be indicted.