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Excessive force investigation into Missoula deputy referred to Lake County

Posted at 6:09 PM, Sep 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-26 20:09:38-04

MISSOULA – The Montana Department of Justice says they have finished their investigation into claims of excessive use of force by a former Missoula County Sheriff’s deputy.

Deputy Douglas Hartsell is under investigation for allegedly using excessive force when he arrested Brandon Shea in November of 2017. 

Officials have shared few details in the case because of the ongoing investigation, which was launched in January by the MCSO after other deputies brought forward concerns about the incident.

The DOJ sent their completed investigation to the Missoula County Attorney’s Office, who then referred the case to the Lake County Attorney’s Office.

The Lake County Attorney’s Office says they have not yet received the case and have not begun to review the investigation.

When the attorney’s office finishes reviewing the investigation they will decide if any criminal charges will be filled against Hartsell.