Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Administrative Investigation Division
Department of Detention and Corrections

Deputy Raymond Ferrio Age: 47 Date of Hire: 07/09/2000 Termination effective January 20, 2015.

What:
A Detention Deputy is terminated for using excessive force on an inmate at the Pinellas County Jail.

When:
The use of force incident occurred while the detention deputy was on duty on October 1, 2014 approximately 8:00 AM.

Where:
The incident occurred in an inmate housing area of the Pinellas County Jail.

Why/How:
According to the administrative investigation, on October 1, 2014 at approximately 8:00 AM an inmate refused to attend a sick call. Detention Deputy Raymond Ferrio entered the inmate’s housing unit and attempted to escort him to the appointment. The inmate was seated in a wheelchair due to a debilitating health condition.

Administrative Investigation Division investigators say as Ferrio attempted to wheel the inmate he placed his feet down to prevent his movement. Ferrio then wrapped his arm around the inmate’s neck, pulling him from the wheelchair and dumping him onto the floor, shattering his dentures. While the inmate was on the ground he struck him with his fists and knees before securing him in restraints.

The investigation determined that at no time did the inmate physically threaten any deputy or pose a physical threat to staff. Investigators say Ferrio admitted that the use of force was not justified and he “got caught up in the moment.” Ferrio further admitted he should have handled the situation differently.

As a result of the administrative investigation, Ferrio was terminated effective on Tuesday, January 20, 2015.

Video can be viewed on our YouTube page here: http://youtu.be/y0QlKASsrKQ