Deputies Lost Certifications After Elevator Assault

The state council revoked the credentials of three officers involved in the 2022 abuse of a handcuffed suspect.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Deputies Lost Certifications After Elevator Assault

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The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council has revoked the law enforcement certifications of three former Richmond County deputies. The decision follows an investigation into a November 2022 incident where Vernon Cratic Jr. was beaten in an elevator at the sheriff's headquarters.

Why it matters

The disciplinary action addresses allegations of excessive force and official misconduct, even though a grand jury previously issued a no bill for criminal charges. The council determined that at least one officer's claim of not witnessing the assault was physically implausible.

The POST Council revoked the certifications of Andrew Acosta, Quincy Cannon, and Robert Wilson. While a grand jury declined to file criminal charges, the trio maintains the right to appeal the council's decision.

The players

Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council

This is the state regulatory body responsible for establishing and maintaining professional standards for law enforcement officers in Georgia.

Richmond County Sheriff's Office

This is the primary law enforcement agency serving the Augusta area and the employer of the deputies involved in the incident.

Andrew Acosta

He is one of the three deputies who lost his certification following the investigation into the elevator assault of a suspect.

Vernon Cratic Jr.

He is the individual who accused Richmond County deputies of physically assaulting him while he was handcuffed in an elevator.

The details

Investigators concluded that Cannon struck the handcuffed suspect in the heat of the moment, while records suggest he and his attorney drafted coached statements for Wilson. Despite the revocation, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office recently rehired Andrew Acosta as an active peace officer.

The alleged assault of Vernon Cratic Jr. occurred in November 2022.
The Richmond County Sheriff's Office rehired Andrew Acosta on April 11, 2026.
Acosta finished a 24-hour gang recognition class on September 11, 2026.

Legal Context

This case highlights the gap between criminal prosecution and administrative professional standards in Georgia law enforcement. By revoking these certifications, the POST Council establishes that administrative discipline can proceed independently of grand jury outcomes.

The re-employment of a decertified officer within the local sheriff's department may prompt residents to seek more transparency regarding internal hiring practices. Community members may expect further clarity from the Richmond County Sheriff's Office on how they reconcile these internal appointments with state-level disciplinary findings.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder that officers can face professional consequences for misconduct even when criminal charges are not pursued. Residents should monitor future administrative hearings to see if the state’s decision to revoke these certifications remains final.