A former New Castle Police officer could spend up to 50 years behind bars, after a jury determined that he repeatedly abused arrestees and inmates during his time with the department.

According to the Department of Justice, Aaron Strong used “excessive” force multiple times from 2017 to 2019. For example, he “stomped” on an intoxicated inmate’s head in response to a comment made in 2017.

That same day, he may have also shot another inmate with a “bean bag” shotgun, fracturing that inmate’s spine. When these incidents occurred, Strong was the Commander of the Henry County S.W.A.T. Team, but he was later removed from the position.

Then, in 2019, police say Strong beat a suspect with a baton…after the suspect had surrendered. The former Lieutenant then “knowingly made false statements” to try and cover his behavior from State Police.

Strong was recently convicted of deprivation of rights under color of law and witness tampering. He will be sentenced on January 7th, 2025.