COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Federal prosecutors say a Richland County sheriff's deputy who repeatedly shocked a drug suspect with a Taser will not be charged with a crime.
U.S. Attorney Walt Wilkins says federal authorities determined that deputy Tom Hodges did not break the law.
The State newspaper reported Thursday that Charles Green accused Hodges of using excessive force against him in January by shocking him seven times after a foot chase, including six times after he was handcuffed. Green told the newspaper he had crack cocaine on him at the time. He faces drug possession charges.
A police report says Hodges shocked Green five times -- three times because Green wouldn't be handcuffed, and two more because he refused to spit out the crack cocaine in his mouth.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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