A Jacksonville man whose violent November arrest in Middleburg, which was captured on a now-viral video from an officer’s body-worn camera, has hired renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump to represent him.

The video circulating online appears to show officers using a stun gun and repeatedly striking 24-year-old Dasaun Williams while he is pinned on the ground and being arrested.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office told First Coast News bodycam footage of Williams’ arrest is not releasable at this time, as the incident remains an active criminal investigation with the State Attorney’s Office.

Crump issued the following statement on the matter:

“What we have seen in this video is deeply disturbing and raises serious questions about whether excessive force was used during Dasaun Williams’ arrest. We are demanding the immediate preservation and release of all body-worn camera footage, reports, and records related to this incident, along with a full and transparent investigation.

This is not a rare occurrence. We saw last year how Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers pulled William McNeil from his car during a traffic stop and used brutal force against him, as well. The public deserves answers about why there appears to be a pattern of excessive force against Black people in Jacksonville, and Dasaun deserves accountability for the injuries he suffered.”

What happened?

Williams was one of four men arrested as part of a months-long operation conducted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s Gang Unit.

The operation, dubbed ‘Operation Red Light,’ targeted members of a gang that’s one of around 30 active in the city.

JSO previously told First Coast News that the operation reached its peak in November, when search warrants were served at several homes.

Altogether, Williams, Anthony Williams, 27, Eibe Scott, 23, and Torrance Brooks, 24, were arrested on 48 charges. A majority of charges are against Anthony and Dasaun, stemming from alleged drug deals with undercover officers from July 16, 2025 to Oct. 24, 2025.

Here’s what JSO says was seized in the operation:

152.4 grams of fentanyl (equal to around 76,000+ lethal doses)

1,222.1 grams of promethazine

226 grams of methamphetamine

Dasaun faces 27 drug-related charges, including multiple counts of the sale or delivery of fentanyl while armed, multiple counts of trafficking in more than four grams of illegal drugs while armed and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. Court records show that he will be due back in Duval County court next on April 9 for a pre-trial hearing.

First Coast News has reached out to JSO for comment on Dasaun retaining Crump, and are waiting to hear back.