Ben Crump Blasts JSO for Excessive Force in Viral Arrest

Renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump is speaking out against the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), labeling the recent arrest of Erika McGriff outside her daughter’s school as another instance of “excessive force” and “selective prosecution.” The incident, captured on cell phone video, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.

Allegations of Excessive Force and ‘Selective Prosecution’

Speaking at The Sanctuary at Mt. Calvary Church in Jacksonville, Crump, alongside McGriff, detailed the events of October 7th. “Nobody went toward this officer,” Crump stated, refuting the police narrative. He questioned the application of the law, calling it “arbitrary and capricious” and suggesting it’s used to “criminalize” individuals who expose police misconduct. “If you expose the police brutality, then they will want to criminalize you. That’s what this law is about.”

McGriff recounted her experience, explaining she was simply inquiring about the proper procedure for picking up her daughter during rainy weather. Her godmother added that the incident has caused significant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for McGriff and her family, emphasizing that such trauma should not be inflicted by law enforcement.

Body Cam Footage and Conflicting Accounts

Body camera footage of the arrest was released on Friday, October 13th. The video shows an officer attempting to escort McGriff to his vehicle, leading to a physical altercation. McGriff can be heard repeatedly stating she “couldn’t breathe” as the officer tried to handcuff her. JSO’s police report claims McGriff assaulted and bit the officer during the struggle.

McGriff faces charges including battering a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and driving with a suspended license. However, Crump and fellow attorney Harry Daniels argue that the officer failed to de-escalate the situation and used excessive force. They contend that the level of force employed—including chokeholds, hair grabbing, punches, and a knee on her neck—is inappropriate for a mother picking up her child.

Crump stated that such force should be reserved for “armed and dangerous criminals who are a threat to the public and our safety, but not for mothers who are double parked to go pick up their daughter from school so she won’t get rained on.”