JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Civil rights attorney Harry Daniels held a press conference on Wednesday morning to address multiple incidents of violence at the Camden County Detention Center. On the heels of Jarett Hobbs', who was beaten by detention officers at the same facility, the conference was held to shed light on several similar altercations.
Zyaire Ratliff, 23, told his story at the press conference. He was reportedly beaten by Camden County deputy Jacoby Anderson.
“Once you come through that door, it’s their rules and this is what it is," said Ratliff. "If you don’t do what they want, this is the type of thing that will happen.”
Ratliff says he saw 30 incidents of abuse during his time in the Camden County jail.
He says what he saw ultimately culminated in his own abuse.
“He tried to grab me, pull me out the door, but then wound up pushing me in the door, swinging on me, then he pushed me to the ground, sat on my chest, then began to strike me multiple times," said Ratliff.
Brian Flancher also shared his experience at the detention facility. Flancher said he was beaten by guards over washing his hair, before he was restrained and left bleeding. He said he did not receive any medical attention for his injuries. He was on blood thinners at the time of the attack.
“After they done that, that’s about all I remember," said Flancher as he pointed to a picture of his bruised face. "I think they knocked me, and that’s when they started stomping. I had the boot mark across my chest. My foot was totally black and blue.”
Daniels, who also represented Jarett Hobbs, is now representing both Ratliff and Flancher.
“This ain’t no black or white thing," said Daniels. "This ain’t no old or young thing. They are beating people indiscriminately inside this jail.”
Photos of Adam Drummond were also shown during the press conference. He also reportedly had an altercation while in the Camden County Detention facility.
When asked if he had a message for the Camden Sheriff's Office, Daniels said "uphold your oath."
