A Shocking Case of Excessive Force

The family of Jonathan Mansfield, a 44-year-old Kentucky man, has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Madison County Sheriff’s Office after he was allegedly tased approximately 40 times while in custody. Mansfield died on October 10, 2024, just days after his arrest for public intoxication.(LEX 18 News report); https://youtu.be/DJkF0bgEWG0?si=8NNPZ3yXuvocmNWj.

What Happened in Madison County

According to the complaint, Mansfield was arrested on September 27, 2024, and taken to the Madison County Detention Center. While detained, he was allegedly shocked with a Taser dozens of times by corrections staff, including James Hollins and Mikeal Burns, both named defendants.

The suit asserts that jail personnel ignored clear signs of medical distress — including blood from his mouth and slumped posture — before eventually calling for emergency assistance. Mansfield was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead.

The Legal Allegations

The wrongful-death lawsuit claims:

• Excessive force and cruel and unusual punishment under the Fourth and Eighth Amendments.

• Deliberate indifference to medical needs after repeated tasings.

• Municipal liability for failure to train and supervise jail personnel.

The family’s attorneys describe the officers’ conduct as “willful, wanton, and depraved,” alleging it reflects a pattern of abuse within the county jail.

Civil Rights Perspective

Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, government officials — including sheriffs and jail officers — may be held civilly liable for using unreasonable force or showing deliberate indifference to detainees’ safety. As a civil-rights attorney, I’ve seen how cases like this emphasize the importance of independent investigations, preservation of video evidence, and early engagement with medical experts to establish causation.

Why This Matters

Mansfield’s death is yet another reminder that constitutional protections don’t stop at the jailhouse door. Excessive use of force and delayed medical intervention remain systemic problems.

For families, a civil-rights claim provides not only financial accountability but also an essential public record of truth — often the only path to justice when internal reviews fall short.

Call to Action

If you or a family member has suffered police misconduct, jail abuse, or excessive force, contact The Cromer Law Group PLLC today. We fight for victims of governmental misconduct across Michigan and the Midwest, ensuring accountability and justice through federal and state courts.

📞 (248) 809-6790 | 📍 Southfield, Michigan🔗 thecromerlawgroup.com