OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. –– National civil rights attorney Ben Crump is calling on Florida First Judicial Circuit State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden to file charges against and prosecute former Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran, who shot and killed U.S. Airman Roger Fortson on May 3.
Attorney Crump issued the following statement:
“Roger Fortson was shot and killed nearly three months ago, but his family and the community are still waiting for full justice. Now that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has finished its investigation and turned it over to the State Attorney’s Office for a charging decision, it is past time for State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden to act by filing charges against and prosecuting former Deputy Duran. The actions of Deputy Duran were not just negligent, they were criminal. Roger Fortson, a dedicated airman, was tragically taken from his loved ones while holding a legally owned firearm pointed at the ground, posing no threat to anyone. The body camera footage and internal affairs investigation clearly demonstrate that the deputy’s use of deadly force was neither necessary nor justified.
“This tragic incident should never have occurred, and we must ensure that there are consequences for such reckless actions. Roger Fortson’s family deserves justice, and our community deserves accountability. It is imperative that law enforcement officers who abuse their power are held responsible – how else can we expect to prevent future tragedies and rebuild trust within our communities?
“We will continue to fight tirelessly for justice for Roger Fortson and his loved ones and to ensure that his death was not in vain. The pursuit of justice in this case is not only about Roger and his family but about ensuring the safety and rights of every individual in our community. State Attorney Bowden Madden, the time to act is now.”
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ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW
Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.
