Georgia Sheriff Under Fire: Lawsuit Filed After Speeding Deputy Causes Fatal Crash with Black Motorist

The widow of a Black man who tragically passed away following an early morning crash with a deputy sheriff, allegedly driving recklessly on a rural Georgia road, is pursuing legal action against the county sheriff for negligence and wrongful death. Dash cam footage from Meriwether County Deputy Sheriff Norman Siefken's vehicle reveals the incident occurred at 6:09 a.m. on April 2, 2024, while it was still dark outside. As Siefken approached a bridge, he collided with Ronald Moreland's car, which was turning left at a busy intersection on state Highway 85 in Senoia. The lawsuit, filed in Meriwether County State Court on June 10, asserts Siefken was traveling at 67 mph—12 mph over the speed limit—without engaging his emergency lights or responding to an emergency situation. Ronald Moreland, 61, succumbed to severe injuries from the collision three days later. His widow, Octovene Moreland, is represented by attorney Harry Daniels, who emphasizes the reckless nature of Siefken's actions, stating that no citation was issued despite Siefken’s excessive speed. The suit seeks a jury trial for compensatory damages due to the profound loss experienced by the Moreland family.