Two San Francisco Sheriff's Department deputies who have been accused of abusing a detainee have been ordered to stand trial.  The incident took place in 2010.  It was at that time that 38 year-old Darrell Hunter was arrested because of some sort of incident with a process server.  Hunter said that one of the deputies punched him in  the head.  Video surveillance at the jail seem to back up his story.  Those tapes show the defendant being struck in the head.  He was later thrown to the ground, handcuffed and dragged to a holding cell.

Hunter said he was never formally charged and was released from custody within several hours of the arrest. At the time he was released from the Bryant Street Jail he decided to seek medical attention.  Hospital records show he suffered sprains to both wrists.  Doctors also said he suffered a mild concussion.

Hunter filed a formal complaint with the San Francisco Sheriff's Department.  The matter began to be investigated internally.  It was found that the deputy who administered the blow was operating outside of departmental guidelines.  He was suspended for five days without pay.   The defendant's attorney has since pointed out the act of violence took place despite her client not threatening any of the deputies.  A department supervisor reportedly feels his employees did not do anything wrong.  He has admitted, however, to not viewing the video.

The other deputies who were allegedly involved in the incident were never penalized.  Hunter's complaint alleged  that San Francisco Sheriff's Department was negligent in failing to punish all of those involved.  In fact, the unpaid leave was removed from the one deputy's record.

The City Attorney has said they will defend the case to the best of their ability.  They feel it is important to protect taxpayer dollars.  The San Francisco Sheriff's Department is not issuing any comments regarding the case because it is an ongoing matter.  At least four of the eight men involved in the incident are said to have many complaints in their records regarding the use of excessive force.  It is unclear whether that information will be entered into testimony.  It is also unclear how many of those involved are still with the department.

A jury trial is scheduled to begin in early August.  His attorneys have not indicated how much money they will be seeking in punitive damages.