Former Charleston deputy charged with assaulting inmate

A former detention deputy in Charleston County is facing serious charges. Alan Genest, 34, has been charged with Assault and Battery in the Second Degree and Misconduct in Office. This comes after an investigation into his actions while working at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. The issue arose on March 18 when a Use of Force incident was reported. Investigators found that Genest had used excessive force while handling an inmate. This included taking the inmate to the ground and securing him in an Emergency Restraint Chair. Following the incident, Genest was placed on administrative leave with pay. However, on March 21, he was fired from his job and taken into custody. He had been with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office since 2017. Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie emphasized that the safety and security of the detention center is a top priority. He assured the community that such behavior will not be tolerated and that swift actions will be taken when necessary. Investigations by the Sheriff's Office are ongoing.