The tragic case of Leonard Cure and Buck Aldridge has taken another turn. While no criminal charges were filed against the former Georgia deputy for the fatal shooting of Cure in 2023, Aldridge now faces a federal indictment on multiple civil rights charges. This development highlights ongoing concerns about law enforcement accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Who Was Leonard Cure?
Leonard Cure’s story captured national attention long before his fatal encounter with law enforcement. Wrongfully convicted of armed robbery in Florida, Cure spent 16 years in prison before the Innocence Project helped secure his release in 2020. Evidence, including an ATM receipt, proved he was nowhere near the crime scene. His case became a powerful example of the flaws in the justice system and the resilience of those who continue to fight for freedom.
The Fatal Traffic Stop in 2023
On October 16, 2023, Leonard Cure was driving on Interstate 95 near the Georgia-Florida line when then-deputy Buck Aldridge pulled him over for speeding. What began as a traffic stop quickly escalated into a fatal struggle.
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Body camera footage shows Aldridge threatening to use a Taser.
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Cure initially complied with orders but resisted after being told he would be arrested.
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The situation turned physical, with Cure placing his hand on Aldridge’s face before Aldridge fired his weapon.
District Attorney Keith Higgins later concluded that the use of deadly force was “objectively reasonable,” and no criminal charges were filed in relation to the shooting.
Federal Indictment Against Buck Aldridge
In August 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Buck Aldridge on 13 counts, including:
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Five counts of deprivation of rights under color of law
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Eight counts of falsification of records
These charges stem from four separate incidents between 2021 and 2022 and are not directly related to the Leonard Cure shooting.
Allegations Include:
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Using a Taser on an individual without justification and kicking them (2021).
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Deploying a Taser on someone who was already handcuffed (2021).
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Punching another victim in the face without legal cause (2022).
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Repeatedly using a Taser on the same victim even after resistance had ended.
Federal prosecutors allege Aldridge then filed misleading reports to justify his use of force.
Camden County Sheriff’s Office Response
Following the indictment, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office announced that Aldridge had been relieved of his duties immediately. Sheriff Kevin Chaney issued a statement reinforcing the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Family Reaction and Calls for Justice
The family of Leonard Cure has consistently maintained that the 2023 shooting was unnecessary and avoidable. His story remains a symbol of both wrongful imprisonment and the risks faced by Black men in interactions with law enforcement. The federal indictment against Aldridge, though unrelated to Cure’s death, has reignited public debate about police conduct and systemic reform.
Broader Issues of Civil Rights in Law Enforcement
Cases like Leonard Cure and Buck Aldridge highlight the importance of ongoing oversight in policing. Civil rights protections exist to safeguard individuals against abuse of power, but enforcement depends heavily on accountability mechanisms.
Experts argue that:
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Stronger federal oversight is needed in local departments.
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Body camera policies must ensure transparency.
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Officers with repeated complaints of excessive force should face stricter consequences.
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Conclusion
The indictment of Buck Aldridge marks a significant development in Georgia’s law enforcement history. While the charges do not directly involve the Leonard Cure shooting, they underscore the broader conversation about civil rights, justice, and accountability. Cure’s life and wrongful conviction remain a powerful reminder of why oversight and reform in the justice system are essential.
