If so, it's only because the headline is misleading -- I suspect deliberately so.
Although in paragraph two the "news" agency clarifies the reason for the punishment (i.e., "punishment for destroying government property while in custody"), the clear intent of the headline is to stir up emotions against the sheriff.
Yes, this is Reuters. Mindless, knee-jerk left-wing lemmings. America-haters. Marginally worse than AP, not quite as bad as AFP.