 In November 2016, former Sheriff Deen was issued a summons for simple battery after a dispute at a Benton tire store with Don Martin Whittington (1935-2017), a former Benton town council member and Bossier Parish police juror and the father of Deen's successor as sheriff, Julian Whittington.The argument between the two men allegedly surfaced in regard to Julian Whittington's involvement in a since dismissed federal corruption case which closed after a major witness died under questionable circumstances.Deen is accused of having approached the senior Whittington from the rear and grabbing him.