Reverend, Son Jailed after Taser Incident; Judge's Resignation Sought

The West Metro NAACP of Paulding and Douglas County will be calling for the resignation of City of Douglasville Magistrate Court Judge Keith Rollins tonight at a 6:30 p.m. press conference, according to West Metro NAACP President Kimberly Alexander.

The NAACP contends Reverend Kenneth Freeman was unfairly tased in August of 2011 and then he and his son, Curtis Freeman, were charged with disorderly conduct and sent to jail Thursday. Reverend Freeman was fined $500, sentenced to six months probation and 10 days in jail. Curtis Freeman was fined $450, sentenced to six months probation and four days in jail.

of the New Beginnings Sanctuary Faith Church in Douglasville, told the Douglasville city council he wants justice after a police officer tasered him twice during a traffic stop of his son on Chapel Hill Rd.

"He tased me for no reason at all," Freeman said. "Not just one time but he did it twice. I'm a citizen here in this city and I will not tolerate no type of treatment like that."

In a press release issued by the West Metro NAACP, the group said it is "appalled at the sentence and incarceration of a Minister and his son...This appears to be retaliation against the Freeman Family due to their publicly highlighting their accusation of excessive force case against the Douglasville Police Department."

In the release, the incident was described like this: "Jermiel Freeman was pulled over by Officer Sam Crosley on Aug. 25, 2011 for a tag issue. During the traffic stop, Jermiel contacted his Father, Reverend Kenneth Freeman, to bring the car registration papers to the vehicle. Upon arrival at the scene with another one of his sons – Curtis Freeman, Reverend Freeman was then tased by Officer Crosley. As a result, Reverend Freeman and both of his sons were arrested. Jermiel later pleaded guilty to a tag issue and disorderly conduct with a fine of $700 and six months’ probation."

The release goes on to state: "The trial for Reverend Freeman and his younger son Curtis was heard in front of Judge Rollins. Reverend Freeman and his son were charged with disorderly conduct and represented in court by their attorney. Throughout the court hearing there were discrepancies in the Police testimony presented in court versus what was presented in the internal affairs investigation. Additionally, the testimony was inconsistent with what was written in the initial incident report. After all evidence and testimonial was presented, Judge Rollins found both Father and son guilty."

Also, the release says the organization would like for the City Council and Mayor to implement a citizen review board and reconsider Judge Rollins' contract with the City.