Former Blount County Sergeant Convicted for Jail Assault
“This incident is not a reflection of the character of the men and women who work in law enforcement“—Blount Co. DA Pamela Casey
A jury has found former Blount County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Joseph Ray Snow guilty of second-degree assault and failure of duty for an unprovoked attack on an inmate at the Blount County Correctional Facility.
On December 3, 2022, Oneonta police arrested Jonathan Carl Calloway for public intoxication and transferred him to the county jail without incident. Officers left Calloway in the care of the sheriff’s department for booking.
Prosecutors presented video showing that Calloway cooperated fully during booking. Snow instructed him to stand against a wall for a photo—Calloway complied. But when Calloway made a crude gesture toward the camera, Snow reacted violently. He grabbed Calloway, slammed his head against the wall, and dragged him to the floor.
As other officers moved in, Snow walked away—only to return moments later after picking up and throwing a chair. He then kicked the restrained inmate in the face. Calloway spit blood and broken teeth, and blood pooled beneath his head. Surveillance video captured the full assault.
Medical staff treated Calloway at the jail before transferring him to UAB St. Vincent's Blount. He suffered a broken nose, facial lacerations, and lost teeth.
The State Bureau of Investigations led the probe, with Special Agents Senior Joshua Colquitt and Justin Kinney among those investigating.
In a statement to ALPolitics.com, District Attorney Pamela L. Casey said:
“This incident is not a reflection of the character of the men and women who work in law enforcement. This case is an exception. It is not the rule. We are fortunate to have men and women in Alabama who are committed to protecting and serving the citizens of our state as professionals and with dignity.”
Sheriff Mark Moon of Blount County also condemned the act, calling it “reprehensible” and “in no way acceptable.” He emphasized that Snow’s behavior does not reflect the department’s values.
Snow remains in jail and is scheduled for sentencing on October 21, 2025.
