20-043 Detention Deputy Terminated For Harassing and Intimidating An Inmate
Detention Deputy Terminated
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Professional Standards Bureau
- Administrative Investigation Division
Deputy Roy Harper
Age: 56
Date of Hire: 07/09/2018
Termination Effective: 03/06/2020
Quentin Jhagroo (Inmate)
DOB: 08/15/1997
Address: Pinellas County Jail
What:
A detention deputy was terminated for harassing and intimidating an inmate at the Pinellas County Jail.
When:
The incident took place on December 10, 2019.
The deputy was terminated effective Friday, March 6, 2020.
Where:
The incident occurred at the Pinellas County Jail located at 14400 49th Street North, in Clearwater.
Why/How:
A detention deputy was terminated for harassing and intimidating an inmate at the Pinellas County Jail.
According to the Administrative Investigation Division, on December 10, 2019, Deputy Roy Harper was working in a maximum security housing area of the Pinellas County Jail. Investigators say while Deputy Harper was supervising the distribution of commissary to inmates, 22-year-old Quentin Jhagroo, unintentionally made contact with Deputy Harper’s left arm while walking past him.
Deputy Harper engaged in conversation with Jhagroo stating, “do you want to handle this like a man,” “do you want me to write you up on a D.R. (Disciplinary Report),” “do you want me to press charges,” and “you know that’s an assault on an officer.”
Investigators say during this conversation, Deputy Harper removed his agency issued 911/Rescue Tool from his duty belt, opened it, approached the inmate, and briefly held it to Jhagroo’s chest as a threat.
Jhagroo testified that he perceived Deputy Harper’s actions to be a threat and felt intimidated by his actions.
A 911/Rescue Tool is a specially designed hooked shaped blade used in emergency situations for fast cutting.
During the course of the Administrative Investigation, Deputy Harper admitted his actions were inappropriate, a mistake, and a bad decision. The entire interaction with the inmate was captured on the Pinellas County Jail’s video surveillance system.
Surveillance video: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RnmekioqkksopHw4NZpsJqMVduIny5JF
As a result of the investigation, the Administrative Review Board determined that Deputy Harper violated Sheriff’s Office policy and he was terminated effective Friday, March 6, 2020.
