Benton County Jail Sergeant Charged With Kicking Inmate

TRI-CITIES, Wash. (AP) — A Benton County jail sergeant has been suspended without pay after he was charged with kicking a female inmate after a struggle.

The Tri-City Herald reports that Sgt. Chris Seiner was charged Tuesday with fourth-degree assault in connection with the January incident. He had been placed on paid leave at the start of the investigation.

The sheriff's office says Seiner denies kicking Gabriela Espinoza, and claims he had only been kicking away food that was on the floor near her.

Espinoza had been booked into the jail on suspicion of assaulting hospital staff while under the influence of drugs.

The sheriff's office says the incident between her and Seiner occurred while she struggled with officers, who had to use force to restrain her, including a Taser.