FARGO — The former Cass County sheriff's deputy who was fired after he slapped an inmate has now been criminally charged.

Due to Andrew Robinson's prior employment with Cass County, the state's attorney for Grand Forks County, Sarah Jereszek, reviewed the case and filed the single misdemeanor count of simple assault against him on Oct. 28.

Robinson, 51, was put on leave by Sheriff Jesse Jahner immediately following the July 31 incident, which took place inside the jail as inmates were being let out of their cells.

The inmate Robinson allegedly assaulted, Justin Hodge, had been arrested for driving under suspension. He told WDAY News he tried to get the jail staff's attention after the cell next to his didn't open. He said Robinson began yelling at him to return to his cell, at which

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