Corrections officer arrested, charged with battery after slapping handcuffed inmate, sheriff said

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A corrections officer at the Lake County Detention Center is being charged with battery after slapping an inmate.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrested correctional officer Alicia Hathaway on Friday. Hathaway was arrested after an investigation determined she slapped an inmate during her shift on Jan. 21.

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According to deputies, Hathaway slapped a female inmate in the face after the inmate cursed at her, even though the inmate was in handcuffs. Another correctional officer immediately reported the incident, deputies said.

Following its investigation, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office turned the case over to the state attorney’s office for review and consideration of issuing an arrest warrant.

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An arrest warrant was issued on Friday, charging Hathaway with battery. She was arrested and booked without incident, and her bond was set at $1,000.

According to deputies, Hathaway has been employed at the jail since March 2016 and has had no previous disciplinary actions. The sheriff’s office has begun termination proceedings on Hathaway, deputies said.

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Cox Media Group