CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The family of Deward Burton Johnson, who died in custody at Hamilton County Jail last year, has filed a lawsuit against the county and Sheriff Austin Garrett, alleging negligence and violations of civil rights. Johnson, 52, was detained on March 14 after being accused of shoplifting basketball trading cards valued at under $50 from a local Walmart.
According to the legal complaint, Johnson underwent a routine blood test upon his booking into the jail, which revealed the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and fentanyl in his system. Despite these findings, the lawsuit contends that the jail staff failed to monitor him for potential adverse reactions associated with these substances.
The suit details a series of events leading to Johnson’s death, starting with his being placed in a holding cell shared by other inmates, reportedly without access to drinking water. After posting bond around 5 p.m., Johnson remained in the cell for several more hours. During this time, he exhibited signs of distress, such as vomiting bile and displaying symptoms of withdrawal, commonly referred to as being “dope sick.”
Inmates attempted to alert the jail staff about Johnson’s deteriorating condition, but their calls for help were initially ignored. It wasn’t until roughly three hours later that staff responded. By this time, Johnson was unconscious, prompting the jail staff to administer CPR and Narcan, an emergency treatment for suspected opioid overdoses. Johnson was then rushed to Erlanger East Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead at 9:25 p.m.
The lawsuit argues that the delay in medical intervention directly contributed to Johnson’s death. It accuses the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office of “deliberate indifference” to Johnson’s medical needs, a general pattern of failing to provide adequate medical care to inmates, lack of proper employee training, and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Furthermore, the claim brings to light broader issues at the Hamilton County Jail, alleging that in-custody death rates there are 2.2 times the national average. The filing criticizes Sheriff Garrett’s handling of severe inmate injuries and deaths, suggesting he manipulates legal outcomes and financial liabilities associated with such incidents. The plaintiffs allege that Garrett dismisses cases against gravely injured or hospitalized inmates to mitigate health care costs and guard duties, which in turn influences how in-custody deaths are reported—or not reported—under federal law.
The family seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages and has requested a jury trial. The lawsuit also demands systemic changes in the way Hamilton County handles the health care of those in its custody.
This case adds to a troubling series of incidents at the facility, which has been under county management for the past five years following a transfer from the private firm CoreCivic. Attempts to contact Hamilton County and Sheriff Garrett for a response have been made, and updates will follow pending their replies.
This article was automatically composed by Open AI, and the details including people involved, facts, and circumstances may not be accurate. For corrections, retractions, or removals, please send an email to [email protected].