Former Jailers Sentenced for Inmate’s Death
In a significant development, three former deputy jailers from an eastern Kentucky facility have been handed prison sentences in connection with the tragic demise of an inmate. Boyd County Circuit Judge George Davis delivered the verdicts on Thursday, bringing an end to a troubling chapter in this case, as reported by The Daily Independent.
The three individuals facing sentencing, Zachary Messer, Colton Griffith, and Jeremy Mattox, played a central role in the events surrounding the November 2018 death of 40-year-old Michael L. Moore, who was discovered in a restraint chair within the confines of the jail. Authorities have indicated that Moore was under the influence of alcohol at the time and assert that the deputies either intentionally subjected him to mistreatment or knowingly allowed it to happen, resulting in Moore’s tragic passing.
Sentences Handed Down
The consequences for their actions have now come to light. Zachary Messer received a 20-year sentence, a result of convictions on charges of first-degree criminal abuse, second-degree criminal abuse, and facilitation to manslaughter. Colton Griffith was sentenced to six years for criminal abuse, while Jeremy Mattox received a five-year sentence for the same charge.
Remorse and Arguments
During the proceedings, the attorneys representing Messer, Griffith, and Mattox expressed remorse for their clients’ actions. Simultaneously, they argued that these former deputies were ill-equipped and insufficiently trained to handle the complex and challenging environment within a poorly managed jail. The facility had experienced a surge of problems leading up to Moore’s tragic death, including a riot, multiple overdoses, and escapes. Notably, the jailer in charge at the time chose to resign just five days after the incident.
Closure in Sight
With these sentences, the legal process has taken its course, offering some measure of closure for the family of Michael L. Moore. Two others implicated in this case had previously received their sentences, marking an important step toward accountability in this tragic event.