INDIANAPOLIS — A former Henry County correctional officer has been charged after reportedly using excessive force on an inmate with deprivation of rights under color of law. According to the United States Department of Justice, Curtis Doughty was employed as a corrections officer in the Henry County Jail and a member of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team. On Feb.13, 2024, Doughty participated in a scheduled search of contraband in an inmate housing pod. Inmates were moved and directed to face the wall and remain seated. When an inmate turned his head away from the wall without warning, 27-year-old Doughty allegedly shot his pepper ball gun at point-blank range into the inmate’s spine, as reported in court documents. The pepper ball shot caused bodily injury to the inmate. Doughty, a Muncie man, then reportedly yelled to other inmates, “Congratulations, you all inhale that now.” Members of the Henry County team reported the incident to a commander, which lead the commander to pull Doughty from duty and be sent home. Doughty faces up to ten years in federal prison if convicted. This is an active investigation. Information will be updated as it becomes available.