A year has passed since a man from Cherokee County was shot by members of the Cherokee Indian Police SWAT team, marking a series of events. Responding to disturbance complaints on December 13, 2022, officers shot Jason Kloepfer, alleging they observed what seemed like a weapon in his hand. Kloepfer faced charges of communicating threats and resisting a public officer, later releasing a video disputing claims that he was armed.
In March 2023, Cherokee County’s Clerk of Courts confirmed the dropped charges against Kloepfer. Subsequently, in June, Kloepfer filed a substantial 195-page civil complaint against the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and several officials. Allegations included civil rights violations, excessive force, trespassing, and gross negligence.
A recent ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Max Cogburn dismissed claims against the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Attorney Daryl Brown. Although multiple claims involving negligence, emotional distress, and punitive damages against the sheriff’s office and deputies were dismissed, the case continues against individual deputies linked to the incident.
The remaining complaints encompass intrusion of privacy, assault, battery, and civil conspiracy. The judge noted that defendants might argue for dismissal again, but for now, Kloepfer and his legal team are allowed to proceed with the discovery process.
