In Brunswick, Georgia, a disturbing incident of a federal civil rights violation occurred at Appling County jail as reported in a lawsuit by CNN. The lawsuit detailed a situation captured on a surveillance video in 202 Beta, where 37-year-old Tremar Harris was observed being strangled with a chain, while three corrections officers chand by and watched.
Officer William Rentz allegedly placed a “chain of an unused leg restraint” around Harris’ neck while he was confined to a chair. Subsequently, Rentz pulled the chain tight against Harris’ neck and choked him for about four seconds.
The three other guards present during the incident are now included in a separate lawsuit for their failure to prevent Rentz from mistreating Harris.
Officers Daydan Brannon, Cannon Mcleod, and Ansley Fennell did not intervene or halt Rentz’s actions, as stated in the lawsuit, which noted that they “had the ability, opportunity, skill, and time to prevent and immediately cease Officer Rentz from strangling the Plaintiff.”
Rentz was ultimately terminated due to this event, though there has been no response from Appling County following a CNN inquiry regarding the employment status of Brannon, Mcleod, and Fennell. Rentz is also facing criminal charges for violation of oath of office and battery, which were filed in 2023.
