Former Manatee Corrections Deputy Sentenced To Jail

BRADENTON, FL — A former corrections deputy with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office was sentenced to 120 days in jail after pleading guilty to felony battery in connection with a 2017 incident involving an inmate.

State Attorney Ed Brosdky announced the sentence on Friday following a guilty plea by Paul Wagner on June 28.

"The defendant was escorting the victim, who was an inmate and handcuffed to a separate area of the jail," according to prosecutors. "During this time, the defendant and victim were engaged in a verbal altercation."

Prosecutors said Wagner pinned the inmate against a wall.

"Other corrections deputies were standing with the victim and defendant," prosecutors explained. "The defendant then took the victim to the ground, resulting in injury to the victim."

In addition to jail time, Wagner was also sentenced to complete work offender and anger management classes. He must also serve two years probation.