Ex-SC deputy convicted in beating of cuffed inmate

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A former sheriff's deputy in South Carolina has been convicted of violating the civil rights of an inmate by beating him severely while the inmate was in handcuffs.

The federal jury in Columbia deliberated for 11 hours over days before reaching the verdict Thursday.

Former Kershaw County deputy Oddie Tribble is scheduled to be sentenced May 12. He faces up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

Surveillance video showed Tribble beating Charles Shelley dozens of times with a metal baton, breaking his leg. Tribble testified that he hit Shelley because the drunk and belligerent inmate threatened his wife and daughter.