Kentucky jailer convicted of assault of inmate, obstruction of justice

A former deputy jailer at a detention center in eastern Kentucky was convicted Wednesday on charges stemming from a November 2012 unprovoked assault of an inmate.

After a two-day trial, the jury found Kevin Asher, 32, guilty of deprivation of civil rights under color of law and obstruction of justice, the Justice Department said in a statement.

According to court documents, Asher and another deputy jailer, Damon Wayne Hickman, assaulted Gary Hill, a 55-year-old inmate who was being held following an arrest for a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct in November 2012.

Asher and Hickman approached Hill after he ran the faucet in his jail cell to the point where water had spilled out onto the floor, the Justice Department said.

Hickman testified at trial that he punched Hill in the face, causing him to fall onto the floor, the Justice Department said. He also said that while Hill was curled up in a fetal position, he and Asher began stomping and kicking Hill.

Asher and Hickman then immobilized Hill in a restraint chair and continued to beat him, the Justice Department said. Afterward, he was not given medical treatment.

Asher could face up to 10 years in prison for the assault charge and up to 20 years for obstruction of justice. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 2.

Correction: We originally reported that Kevin Asher “admitted” to punching Gary Hill during the trial. He did not. Deputy Jailer Damon Hickman gave testimony at trial describing the assault.

Read More On:

Military & Police

Latest Reviews

The Baby Glock Centimeter: A Review of the New G29 Gen 5 10mm Carry Pistol

Whether straying into the backcountry or just a fan of the 10mm Auto, Glock has long had one of the smallest carry guns offered in that caliber and we have been kicking around its latest variant for a couple of months.
Read More
AMT Backup .380 Review: Fun With a Retro Pocket Pistol

I’m rather fascinated with pocket guns, so when I came across this AMT Backup 380 in Guns.com's Certified Used stockpile, I had to give it a try. It's an interesting and affordable retro pistol.
Read More
Winchester Model 100 in .243 Win Stands the Test of Time

Every now and then I happen upon a neat little rifle I’ve never heard of, like this Winchester Model 100. Let's see if this mid-century deer hunter chambered in .243 Winchester still has what it takes.
Read More
Palm Full of Parabellum: A Review of the 9mm Bond Arms Stubby

Texas-based Bond Arms, the country's go-to maker of double-barreled derringer-style handguns in usable calibers, recently introduced an ultra-compact new 9mm-- the aptly named Stubby.
Read More

revolver barrel loading graphic

Loading