Louisville Metro Corrections officer charged with assault after allegedly tasing inmate

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - A Louisville Metro Corrections officer has been charged with assault and official misconduct after allegedly tasing an inmate who was shoved into a doorway and was face-down on the floor.

On May 20, 2024, Joseph Cortina was trying to fly back to California after working hospitality events with the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. Documents state that Cortina was not allowed onto the plane and was later arrested for alcohol intoxication after being “loud and aggressive” to staff. He was then transported and booked into LMDC the following day.

The lawsuit, filed on May 8, 2025, by attorney Sara Collins, claims that while being searched at LMDC, Cortina was “verbally disruptive,” but listened to officers’ commands and was never aggressive.

The lawsuit goes on to state that Officer Chase Branson “aggressively inserted himself into the situation” and told Cortina, “If you do that man, it’s going to be a hard day for you.”

Cortina allegedly responded with, “No, it’s not.”

“Yes, it is because I am going to tase you,” Branson said in return, according to the lawsuit.

“For what?” Cortina asked.

“Because I can,” Branson said.

“No, you can’t.” Cortina said.

“Yeah, I can,” Branson added according to the lawsuit, “That’s what my f---ing rules say.”

Cortina, who was still handcuffed, was then escorted to rear security and asked Branson, “What are you looking at?” according to the lawsuit.

That’s when Branson allegedly called Cortina “a little bi--h” and slammed him into a doorway.

After arriving at the cell, the lawsuit claims that Cortina was thrown onto his stomach and was told to put his hands on his head as the handcuffs were being removed.

According to the lawsuit, Branson then tased Cortina in the back before the handcuffs were fully removed and said, “Tickles, doesn’t it?”

As Branson tased Cortina, the lawsuit alleges that Cortina was held down by other officers, with one of them pinning Cortina down with his knee.

The police citation states that the incident was captured on surveillance and multiple body cameras. The citation, as well as the lawsuit, claims that Cortina was not resisting officers when shoved into the metal doorway, nor when he was tased.

Branson’s supervisor allegedly witnessed what happened, but did not intervene, according to the lawsuit.

Documents state that after an internal review, Branson was found to have used excessive force and was suspended for 15 days.

“Officer Branson’s actions were not only unprofessional and improper, but unnecessary and excessive,” the Internal Affairs report from LMDC states. “Officer Branson continued to yell, curse, and scream at Inmate Cortina which only aggravated the situation.”

Branson has since been charged with two counts of assault and one count of official misconduct. He is not in jail, but is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on July 21, according to court records.

Major Jason Logsdon with LMDC said that Branson has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case. Logsdon also said that LMDC is fully cooperating with the investigation and will assist where needed.

The lawsuit names LMDC Director Jerry Collins and Branson as defendants and requests a jury trial as well as monetary compensation for damages.