Former Simpsonville officer charged with assault

A former Simpsonville patrol officer was arrested Friday and charged with assault, state law enforcement agents said.

Brian Keith Kurta, 42, was charged with assault and battery — 3rd degree, according to a warrant.

The warrant alleges Kurta struck a victim who was handcuffed while employed with the Simpsonville Police Department.

The incident happened at the police station on Aug. 9 and was witnessed by other police officers, the warrant said.

Part of the alleged assault was also captured on Kurta's body camera, the warrant said.

Kurta was terminated on Aug. 24 following an internal investigation, Simpsonville Police Chief Keith Grounsell said.

Grounsell said he asked SLED to conduct an independent criminal investigation.

Kurta was booked into the Greenville County Detention Center Friday and has since been released on bond.

The case will be prosecuted by the 13th Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Upon conviction, the assault charge is a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to 30 days in prison, a $500 fine or both.