A former Sonoma County sheriff’s deputy pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony excessive force in the beating of a Boyes Hot Springs man during a domestic dispute call.

Scott Thorne, 40, of Walnut Creek is charged in the Sept. 24 incident in which he is accused of firing a Taser at the man as he lay in his own bedroom and striking him with a baton.

Thorne left the department within weeks. An investigation resulted in the single charge of assault by an officer. He was arrested Jan. 11 and is out on $10,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing estimated to take four hours is set for March 16. Thorne faces up to three years in jail if convicted.

The ex-deputy declined to comment Wednesday as he left the courthouse.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.

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