BROWNSTOWN, Ind. – A report by Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey A. Chalfant and the Indiana State Police (ISO) has found that while an inmate’s death was likely caused by a prolonged lack of attention by Jackson County Jail (JCC) staff, no crimes were committed.
The inmate, Joshua McLemore, spent 20 days in JCC before staff decided his condition had deteriorated to the extent that he would necessitate medical attention. He was transported to Schneck Medical Center on August 8, 2021, but due to the spike in COVID cases and his advanced deteriorating condition, the staff there found that it was unable to provide McLemore with the care he needed. The inmate was summarily transported to Mercy West Hospital in Cincinnati, where he was pronounced dead on August 10.
McLemore had two pending criminal cases in Jackson County at the time of his death. McLemore was charged with Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Public Safety Official, Resisting Law Enforcement, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident in the first incident on May 25, 2021. He was released on $1000 bail on June 25, 2021.
On July 20, 2021, McLemore was arrested at Schneck Medical Center and charged with Battery Against a Public Safety Offical and Criminal Mischief. The report notes that a nurse from Schneck Medical Center gave McLemore discharge notes telling him to stop using methamphetamine after the incidents on May 25, 2021, and July 20, 2021.
During his 20-day stay at JCC from July 20,
…to be continued awaiting response from McLemore’s legal team (will be done by Sat at latest)
