TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP): Several police officers have testified they believed a central Indiana sheriff's deputy used excessive force in making arrests.

The testimony has come during this week's trial in Terre Haute of Putnam County Deputy Terry Joe Smith on federal charges of civil rights violations for his actions.

The Tribune-Star and the Banner Graphic report officers from the Putnam County, Cloverdale and Greencastle departments described Smith punching a handcuffed man in the face as he was lying on the ground and using a stun gun on another man who was on the ground surrounded by four officers.

Defense attorney John Tompkins told jurors that Smith is innocent of using excessive force.

Smith is on administrative leave as a sheriff's deputy but remains a Greencastle City Council member.