A former Taylorville man is the alleged victim of excessive force by a Riverton Police Officer. According to Sangamon County State’s Attorney Daniel K Wright, Grant D. Peterson of the Riverton Police Department has been charged with aggravated battery and official misconduct of former Taylorville resident and current Mechanicsburg resident, Jacob Melton. If convicted Peterson faces up to 5 years in prison. If found guilty of each count each sentence would be concurrent.

The indictment alleges that on February 5th, 2020, Peterson “made contact of an insulting or provoking nature to Jacob Melton” in that Peterson “grabbed Jacob Melton by the neck and headbutted Jacob Melton.” The indictment continues saying that Peterson’s conduct caused bodily harm to Melton. 

Taylorville Attorney Tom Finks who is Melton’s attorney says that he indeed has injuries from the incident.

Finks says that there’s also something called a Section 1983 lawsuit.

Peterson’s bond was set at $5,000 (10% to apply). Peterson was able to post bond and was released Wednesday afternoon. Attorney Finks released a press release commending Riverton Police Chief James Lawley, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department, Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Riverton City Attorney for their fairness, honesty, transparency, and integrity.  The State’s Attorney’s Office would like to remind the public that all indictments are only charges and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.