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  • January 15, 2025
Graphic video shows a bloodied inmate allegedly beaten by Walker prison guards

Graphic video shows a bloodied inmate allegedly beaten by Walker prison guards

A federal civil lawsuit filed by a Walker County inmate claims excessive force, failure to intervene, deliberate indifference to serious medical needs and treatment, supervisory liability and assault and battery.

Jemayel Scott was an inmate in January 2023. The lawsuit alleges that Scott was first unlawfully and brutally attacked by a fellow inmate and then correctional officer Richard Holtzman, while other officers “did not intervene,” according to the filing.

Graphic video was obtained by ABC 33/40 News showing Scott bloodied and handcuffed. It is unclear from the video what happened in his cell.

The court filing states that Scott suffered extensive facial trauma and required reconstructive surgery. The lawsuit claims that medical treatment was unnecessarily delayed.

The lawsuit alleges that five other law enforcement officers witnessed the attack and did not intervene. Defendant Holtzman is accused of putting Scott in a headlock while he was handcuffed and punching him in the face several times with a closed fist. Also named in the lawsuit are Lt. Trina Phillips, Officer Courtlan Jones, Officer Jacob Edwards, Officer Jon Hill, Officer Matt Price, nurse Aleisha Herron and jail administrator Justin White.

Remark: a court filing Friday by Scott’s attorney asked that Justin White be removed from the lawsuit.

In a response to the lawsuit, attorneys allege that the inmate threatened to kill a nurse and that he received prompt and adequate care for his injuries.

Former officer Courtlan Jones, also named in the Scott case, has signed federal paperwork indicating he will plead guilty to a federal criminal charge in connection with the death of inmate Tony Mitchell.

“We are pleased that Courtlan Jones has taken responsibility for his role in the death of Tony Mitchell. However, he has yet to accept responsibility for his role in the brutal attack on Jemayel Scott. We beg him to take responsibility so this Walker County saga can conclude.” Attorney Leroy Maxwell, Jr./Maxwell & Tillman

Sheriff Nick Smith told ABC 33/40 News that he was not at the jail when the incident involving Scott occurred and that the case is under investigation by the state and the FBI.

The sheriff said he had not viewed the video and did not want to interfere with an independent review.

The excessive force allegations in the Scott case are the latest in a series of cases of alleged inmate abuse around the Walker County Jail. Multiple guilty pleas have been entered The federal court case related to the death of inmate Tony Mitchell, who died of hypothermia and had developed sepsis due to “inhumane conditions.”