Bradford charged with battery, fired as deputy

HOPE – Former Deputy Joe Bradford, 32, of Hope was arrested on a warrant signed by Circuit Judge W.M. Randal Wright for Battery 3rd Degree for an incident that occurred on September 11, while Bradford was employed as a Hempstead County Deputy.

After a complaint was filed by a female subject whom Bradford had arrested told investigators Bradford had struck her in the face while she was handcuffed. Bradford was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal and criminal investigation into the allegations. Once the internal investigation was completed Sheriff James Singleton fired Bradford on September 24, and had investigators refer the case to the prosecuting attorney to review.

On October 8, , a probable cause affidavit was prepared by investigators and reviewed by the prosecuting attorney’s office and on October 15, a  warrant from the Hempstead County Circuit Court was issued and signed by Judge Wright.  Bradford was arrested the same day by Inv. Gary Dorman and placed in the Hempstead County Detention Center where he had a first appearance before Judge Wright. Judge Wright released him and set a November 12, court date to appear in Circuit Court.

Battery Third Degree is a Class A Misdemeanor

Bradford had been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since July of 2019, Prior to that He was employed by Prescott Police and Police Departments in Missouri.

Statement from Sheriff Singleton:

As law enforcement officers we are held to the same laws as everyday citizens, and if it is found that one of my deputies violated department policies or violated a state law, they will be held accountable. It is unfortunate that incidents like this occur and it leaves a black eye on the entire law enforcement family.