A Richmond County Sheriff’s Office corporal who was previously praised for her role in a justified fatal shooting has been demoted following an internal affairs investigation that determined she used excessive force during a February arrest.
Former Cpl. Amanda Donald was disciplined after investigators concluded she struck a suspect multiple times in the face during an arrest on Feb. 9. The investigation determined the strikes continued after the initial effort to gain compliance and did not align with departmental use-of-force policy.
The disciplinary action includes demotion to deputy, reassignment from road patrol, a two-day suspension with pay, and a 12-month probationary period.
February 9 Arrest and Use-of-Force Incident
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office internal affairs report, the incident occurred when Donald responded to McDowell Street to assist another deputy investigating reports of burglary and property damage.
A homeowner reported that Jimmy Scott Lister, 52, had shattered a window and damaged an iron mailbox. Authorities described the situation as an apparent narcotics-related episode.
After being taken into custody, Lister was placed in the rear seat of a patrol vehicle.
According to investigators, Lister began kicking the patrol car door and window. Donald opened the rear door and attempted to calm him while explaining that he was being taken to jail.
The internal affairs report states that Lister became combative during the interaction.
- Lister allegedly kicked toward Donald while seated in the patrol vehicle.
- Investigators report he struck Donald’s hand and kicked her in the face.
- Deputies then pulled Lister fully into the vehicle and closed the door.
Authorities say Lister allegedly threatened deputies shortly afterward, reportedly stating: “If you open the door again I will kill all of you.”
Escalation Inside the Patrol Vehicle
A short time later, Donald reportedly approached the patrol car again after hearing Lister kicking the window.
According to the report, Donald opened the rear passenger-side door and verbally ordered him to stop.
During that interaction, investigators state Lister kicked Donald in the hand, which caused her flashlight to flip upward and strike her chin.
When Donald observed Lister attempting to slide out of the patrol vehicle, she struck him multiple times in the face in an effort to stop him and regain control.
Other deputies intervened and stopped the strikes before repositioning Lister inside the patrol vehicle.
Investigators reported that Lister did not appear to have visible injuries following the incident.
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Transport to Detention Center
Because Lister continued kicking and refusing commands, deputies applied ankle restraints before transporting him to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
Authorities said Lister continued acting violently during transport.
- He allegedly kicked the patrol car door and window.
- He reportedly banged his head against the patrol car cage.
Upon arrival at the detention center, officers deployed a Taser twice before placing Lister in a holding chair until the reported narcotics episode subsided and he could be safely booked.
According to authorities, Lister faces multiple felony charges.
- Criminal damage to property
- Entering a vehicle to commit theft
- Terroristic threats and acts
- Obstruction
Internal Affairs Findings
The internal affairs investigation concluded on Feb. 23.
According to the report, investigators determined the continued strikes after the initial compliance effort were inconsistent with department policy.
The report states:
“The investigation concludes that Cpl. Amanda Donald used force that became unnecessary after the initial attempts to gain compliance. Officers are expected to disengage or transition to alternative control measures once compliance is achieved or reasonably attainable. The continued application of strikes did not align with departmental policy governing appropriate use of force.”
Investigators reviewed body-worn camera footage and other available evidence before submitting the findings for review.
Disciplinary Action
Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley approved disciplinary action following review of the internal affairs findings.
The actions taken include:
- Demotion from corporal to deputy
- Transfer from road patrol duties
- Two-day suspension with pay
- Placement on 12 months of probation
Sheriff Brantley stated that the situation could have been handled differently.
“She didn’t even have to open the door of the patrol car,” Brantley said. “If he kicks out the window, we just charge him.”
Prior Disciplinary History
According to records cited in the investigation, the February incident is at least the second time Donald has been disciplined for striking a handcuffed suspect in the face.
In July 2021, Donald was written up after investigators determined she cursed at a suspect and struck him in the face when he did not stand up as ordered.
Following that incident, then-Sheriff Richard Roundtree required Donald to complete use-of-force training and submit a written report describing what she learned from the training.
Prior Commendation in Officer-Involved Shooting
Donald had previously received praise from the sheriff’s office following a 2024 officer-involved shooting.
Authorities say deputies pursued Dalyn Dewayne Elder, who was reportedly armed and running toward the Outback Steakhouse on Washington Road.
According to officials:
- Elder allegedly pointed a firearm at deputies.
- Authorities say he fired at Deputy Victor Rodriguez.
- Rodriguez sustained multiple gunshot wounds but later recovered.
Donald fired her weapon during the confrontation, striking Elder at least once in the chest.
Elder died approximately six weeks later at a hospital.
A multi-agency task force later ruled the shooting justified. Sheriff Brantley publicly commended Donald for risking her life during the incident.
Sheriff’s Statement
Sheriff Brantley acknowledged the disciplinary action while noting that officers can sometimes react emotionally during high-stress encounters.
“Sometimes officers have to be reminded they are human,” Brantley said. “They have emotions and things happen, and they react out of emotion.”
The sheriff also referenced a passage from scripture he had read earlier in the day, quoting 1 Corinthians 10:23.
“ ‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say — but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say — but not everything is constructive.”
Current Status
Based on available information from the sheriff’s office:
- Amanda Donald has been demoted to deputy.
- She has been transferred away from road patrol duties.
- She remains employed by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
- Jimmy Scott Lister faces multiple felony charges related to the Feb. 9 incident.
No additional disciplinary actions have been publicly announced as of the time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the February arrest connected to the earlier shooting case?
No. The Feb. 9 incident involved an arrest related to reported property damage and alleged threats. It is separate from the prior officer-involved shooting involving Dalyn Dewayne Elder.
Was the earlier shooting ruled justified?
Yes. A multi-agency task force reviewed the shooting and ruled the use of deadly force justified.
Did the suspect in the February incident suffer serious injuries?
Investigators reported that Jimmy Scott Lister did not appear to have visible injuries following the strikes during the arrest.
What discipline did the deputy receive?
The sheriff’s office demoted Amanda Donald from corporal to deputy, reassigned her from road patrol, imposed a two-day suspension with pay, and placed her on a 12-month probation period.
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