In July 1996, Chief Deputy Phillip Hartley released pretrial detainee Leroy Owens, who had been severely beaten by fellow inmates, against a court order requiring his detention. Hartley abandoned Owens at a motel in the early hours, disregarding medical instructions to monitor his condition. This action led to a lawsuit alleging deliberate indifference to Owens’ serious medical needs. The court found that Hartley’s conduct could be seen as following the Sheriff’s policy of releasing sick or injured inmates to avoid medical costs.
Phillip Hartley – Butler County Sheriff’s Office
Written by CBKN76