Deputy indicted in inmate's assault

HERTFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) - A federal grand jury has indicted a former Hertford County deputy on a charge of violating an inmate's civil rights during an alleged assault in June.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Timothy Lassiter was indicted in connection to the June 12 assault, where inmate Troy Powell claimed he was assaulted by Lassiter. Lassiter was suspended with pay after the incident.

The indictment alleges Lassiter struck and assaulted Powell, resulting in bodily injury to the inmate. The incident violated Powell's due process rights, the jury said. 

Powell was also charged in the assault.

If convicted, Lassiter faces a maximum 10 years in prison.