In February 2022, Tremar Harris, a Black inmate at a Georgia jail, filed a federal civil lawsuit against three corrections officers from the Appling County Sheriff’s Office. Harris accused one of the officers, William Rentz, of choking him with a leg restraint and making a racist comment while three other officers watched. The assault allegedly took place on January 29th, 2022, while Harris was a pre-trial detainee at the Appling County Jail and in solitary confinement. The lawsuit claims that the officers failed to intervene and stop Rentz from choking Harris, who feared for his life during the assault.
William Rentz, who is not listed as a defendant in the lawsuit but was named in an earlier one filed by Harris, was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated assault, battery, and violation of oath of office. The recent lawsuit states that Rentz was terminated by the sheriff’s office following the incident. The suit describes how Harris was placed in a restraint chair and put in a padded cell, where he managed to free his right arm from the restraint chair. The officers then entered the cell to secure him with handcuffs. Rentz allegedly used the chain of an unused leg restraint to strangle Harris, while making a racist comment implying Harris was a slave. A photo included in the lawsuit shows Rentz choking Harris with the leg restraint while the other three officers watch, according to court documents.
The lawsuit claims that Harris was not posing a threat and feared for his life during the alleged assault by Rentz. The officers are accused of failing to intervene and stop the attack, despite having a duty to do so. Harris’ lawyer described the incident as a “state of terror and extreme fear” for the inmate. The three officers named in the lawsuit have not been reached for comment and it is unclear if they have obtained legal representation. In January, Harris had filed a separate federal civil lawsuit against Rentz, who claimed that Harris was placed in solitary confinement due to erratic behavior and that his actions were appropriate and necessary.
An attorney for Rentz declined to comment beyond the contents of the lawsuit, which accuses the corrections officer of assault, battery, and making racist remarks during the incident. The lawsuit seeks damages for the physical and emotional harm suffered by Harris as a result of the alleged assault. The Appling County Sheriff’s Office has not responded to requests for comment on the case. The lawsuit sheds light on the mistreatment and abuse that inmates, particularly Black inmates, may face in correctional facilities. It underscores the importance of holding corrections officers accountable for their actions and ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates in custody.
