posted August 6, 2008
The County Commission, after conferring privately with County Attorneys Rheubin Taylor and Dee Hobbs, on Wednesday deferred action on a proposed settlement of a lawsuit involving an inmate at the county jail.
A resolution called for a $175,000 settlement to be paid to Gary Arnold, who was beaten by another inmate at the jail.
However, commissioners said they met on the issue earlier and agreed on a $100,000 payment.
Attorney Taylor said a mediator from Memphis heard facts in the case and the $175,000 amount was worked out.
Attorney Tom Crutchfield, representing Mr. Arnold, said the 50-year-old Arnold was in jail for non-payment of child support and was placed in a cell with a 19-year-old violent offender.
He said he suffered a "horrendous beating" and has to use a walker to get around.
Attorney Crutchfield said the beating went on for some 15 minutes before jailers intervened.
He said it is a "$3 million case" though the county tort liability limit is at $250,000.
He said medical bills were almost $400,000, including $265,000 to Erlanger Medical Center.
Commissioner Curtis Adams made a motion to pay the $175,000, saying that "a 50-year-old man charged with not paying child support should not have been put in with a 19-year-old brute."
However, County Mayor Claude Ramsey recommended that any other comment about the case be with the attorneys behind closed doors.
After the private session, there was no second to the Adams motion, and the matter was delayed to a later meeting.
Commissioner Fred Skillern said the commissioners were awaiting further information.
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