A former police lieutenant from New Castle, Indiana, has been found guilty by a federal jury on charges of using excessive force against individuals in custody and obstructing justice through witness tampering. Aaron Jason Strong, aged 47, was convicted following evidence presented at trial which demonstrated his physical abuse of a suspect and two pretrial detainees. He also made false statements to an Indiana State Police detective during an investigation into allegations against him.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “Aaron Strong is a repeat offender who defied his oath and abused his law enforcement authority to violently and unlawfully assault multiple individuals.” She emphasized that Strong's actions endangered fellow officers and caused harm to those he was legally obligated to protect. Clarke noted that the unanimous jury verdict underscores the principle that law enforcement officers are accountable for their crimes.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana remarked on the difficulty and nobility of law enforcement work but contrasted this with Strong's conduct. “Aaron Strong is not noble," Myers said, highlighting how Strong abused his position to inflict violence without justification and subsequently lied about it.
Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office commented on the damage such actions cause to public trust in law enforcement: "The FBI will continue to ensure those abusing their power will be investigated and held accountable."
Evidence revealed incidents dating back to August 2019 when Strong struck a compliant suspect multiple times with a metal baton during an arrest. Another incident from July 2017 involved Strong abusing two detainees at the Henry County Transition Center while acting as commanding officer of the SWAT Team.
Strong faced three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of witness tampering. His nephew, who was co-defendant in one count of witness tampering, was acquitted.
Sentencing for Strong is scheduled for January 7, 2025, where he faces up to 50 years in prison. The case was investigated by the FBI Indianapolis Field Office and Indiana State Police with prosecution led by Trial Attorney Alec Ward from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division alongside Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana.