Pinellas County Deputy Fired and Arrested for Assaulting Hospitalized Inmate

Assault Allegation and Termination

• 📌 A Pinellas County detention deputy, James Jones, has been fired and arrested for allegedly assaulting a hospitalized inmate.
• ⚡ The incident occurred in December at Northside Hospital in St. Pete, where Jones was guarding inmate George Miller.
• ⚠️ Sheriff Bob Galtieri stated that Jones lost his temper and punched Miller, splitting his eye open, despite Miller being guarded for a burglary and battery arrest.

Sheriff's Account and Investigation

• 🔍 A nurse reportedly witnessed Jones punch Miller and heard them yelling back and forth.
• 🗣️ Sheriff Galtieri emphasized accountability, stating that Jones was treated like any other citizen, charged with a crime, and fired.
• 🤥 Jones allegedly lied to his supervisors, claiming Miller kicked him, a claim unsupported by evidence.

Deputy's Background and Prior Incidents

• 🗓️ Jones, 66 years old, was three years from retirement and had no prior reported issues during his tenure since 2021 with the Sheriff's Office.
• 👮 This incident follows other recent disciplinary actions, including five employees fired in October for separate incidents involving an inmate sprayed with Lysol and deputies photographing a female inmate in a compromising position.
• ⚖️ The Sheriff's Office investigated the alleged assault and found sufficient grounds for termination and arrest.