Calvin R. Grovner has filed a lawsuit alleging excessive force and civil rights violations by deputies of the Camden County Sheriff’s Office. The complaint was filed on January 10, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia against Alex Watson, James M. Miner, Jim Proctor, and Camden County, Georgia.
The case stems from an incident on January 14, 2024, when Deputies Watson and Miner pursued Grovner’s vehicle for alleged speeding in Camden County. After stopping the vehicle, Watson allegedly rammed it and subsequently drew his gun on Grovner. In fear for his life, Grovner exited the car with his hands visible to avoid being shot. Despite his compliance, Watson reportedly assaulted Grovner with profanity-laden threats and physical violence. The complaint details how Watson allegedly leaped onto Grovner’s back, handcuffed him tightly causing pain and numbness, and punched him repeatedly while making threats. Deputy Miner is accused of failing to intervene during this assault.
Grovner claims that this incident resulted in severe injuries including lacerations and trauma to various parts of his body. He further alleges that such conduct by Watson is not isolated but part of a pattern within the Camden County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Jim Proctor’s policies that tolerate excessive force without proper accountability or intervention.
The lawsuit cites violations under the Fourth Amendment for unreasonable seizure and excessive force as well as failure to intervene under the Fourteenth Amendment. It seeks compensatory damages for mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering totaling no less than $1 million per claim against each defendant involved in perpetuating these alleged abuses.
Represented by attorney James A. Yancey Jr., Grovner also requests punitive damages to deter future misconduct by law enforcement officers in Camden County. Additionally, he seeks attorney fees should he prevail under the Civil Rights Attorney’s Fees Awards Act of 1976.
The case is presided over by Judge Lisa Godbey Wood with Case ID: CV226-00004-LGW-BWC.
Source: 226cv4_Calvin_Grovner_v_Alex_Watson_Complaint_Southern_District_of_Georgia.pdf.pdf
