More Police Abuse at the Hillsborough County Jail

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Two surveillance videos capturing two separate scuffles have surfaced at the Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County, raising questions as to whether those incidents were inmate abuse or justified force.

In the first video, 49-year-old Wanda Sullivan is sitting in a chair in the jail's DUI breath testing room. Sullivan appears to pass out, and the video shows a deputy jerking her out of a chair and dragging her into a room.

The events in the video happened last May. Sullivan's attorney, Kevin Hayslett, recently notified the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office that he plans to sue over his client's treatment.

The man in charge of the jail, Col. Jim Previtera, said the deputy did nothing wrong. He said Sullivan pretended to pass out because she did not want to give a breath test.

Previtera also said a couple moments later Sullivan walked out of the room under her own power and showed no signs of injury. Sullivan never filed a complaint.

The second video, taken last October, shows 25-year-old Michael Markell sitting in a chair, surrounded by deputies. According to paperwork filed by his attorney, a deputy choked Markell, causing an injury to his neck.

Previtera said the deputy did not choke Markell, but instead held is face to get him to hold still while taking the breath test. Markell also never filed a complaint.

Hayslett, who represents both clients, predicts juries will see the tapes differently.

"I think the tape would probably bother the average citizen that watches it," he said. "Who knows if they're arrested? They put themselves in the custody and care of that law enforcement agency, and I don't think the average person would expect that type of treatment."

Previtera said the jail takes abuse seriously, but he said the contact on the videos was justified.

The sheriff's office has six months to respond to the letters of intent to sue filed by Hayslett.

Hayslett said he came across the videos while researching the Breathalyzer machine in the jail.

Both Sullivan and Markell pleaded no contest to their DUI charges.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Police
• Abuse
• Hillsborough
• County
• Jail
• Tampa
• Florida

[phoenix0661]

clearly the girl wasnt passed out cause if you are your head doesnt stay upward when pulled out of a chair...it would flop to the back or front

[Hometheaterdoctor]

In Florida this kind of police misconduct is common, daily experience and is supported by the legislature and the governor. In Florida you have NO rights...period. So if you are thinking of moving here understand that plus wages are what they were 20 years ago.

[MultiGolozo69]

f...you 111..dont you curse my country big asshole

[pistolchamp]

@111beni111 then leave please

[pistolchamp]

the average person shouldn't be going to jail you fuck

[maverick10241]

these cops have more excuses then a thanksgiving turkey

[111beni111]

fuck usa

[35FILMPROJECTION11]

Fucking pigs ruined my life I hope they rot in hell