Fort Jackson soldier found guilty of assaulting Black man in viral video

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The Fort Jackson drill sergeant accused of assaulting a young black man in April has been found guilty.

Jonathan Pentland was on trial after a video went viral in April showing Pentland shoving a 22-year-old male on the sidewalk in the Summit neighborhood.

Pentland was charged with third-degree assault and battery after the incident.

On the first day of the trial, several people took the stand to explain what happened. The victim stated he minded his own business before Pentland approached him.

On day two, Pentland himself took the stand. He said he was summoned to the sidewalk after a neighbor came banging on his door asking for help. That neighbor, Kimberly Hernandez, said Williams had been harassing her daughter and grandson.

In the end, the judge found Pentland guilty.

She sentenced him to 30 days in jail or a fine of $1,087.50.

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Fort Jackson released a statement regarding the decision saying:

“Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis is reviewing his options in the matter of Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Pentland. We will provide more information when a decision about how to proceed is made.”

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