Fayette County officials took decisive action this week after a use‑of‑force investigation uncovered serious concerns at the county jail. The Board of Inspectors voted to terminate two guards – one a sergeant – and to suspend a third guard for ten days.
Investigation triggered by inmate injuries
The inquiry began after inmate Robert Stimmell was admitted to the jail earlier this month and later required hospitalization for a brain bleed. The incident spurred a formal use‑of‑force review of the three officers involved.
Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele, who also serves on the jail board, recused himself from the vote because his office is conducting its own investigation into the allegations. “We’ve obviously had some violation of policy or the board wouldn’t have made a decision that they did,” Aubele said.
Additional allegations surface
Following the initial reporting, Caitlyn Thomas, mother of inmate Gage Lowe, raised concerns about her son’s treatment at the facility. She alleged that her son was maced, thrown into a shower, and that an officer bent his handcuffed hands until he was crying as he was escorted down a hallway.
Aubele confirmed that he has reached out to Thomas and is reviewing her claims. He noted that the officer accused of using excessive force on Lowe is one of the three guards currently under investigation for the Stimmell incident. “I’ve met with his mother. And it’s something that we’re looking at. So part of that is trying to obtain video. Unfortunately, the video in the prison overwrites after a certain point, so I’m not sure that we’re going to recover any,” Aubele said.
Union response and due‑process rights
Chuck Knisell, vice president for District 2 of the United Mine Workers of America – the union representing Fayette County jail guards – declined to comment directly on the investigation. He emphasized that “our members have the right to due process, just cause, and the grievance procedure under the current collective bargaining agreement,” underscoring the union’s focus on procedural fairness.
Legal status of the injured inmate
No criminal charges have been filed at this stage. Robert Stimmell was released from the hospital on Monday and later posted bond to secure his release from jail. He remains under pre‑trial monitoring while the investigation continues.
Next steps
Aubele indicated that his office has received the final round of medical records related to the case and is conducting further interviews. He expects a decision on any additional disciplinary measures to be made “possibly sometime next week.” The board’s actions this week demonstrate a commitment to accountability and to upholding the safety standards expected of correctional staff.
The Fayette County Jail Board of Inspectors will continue to monitor the situation, and the district attorney’s office will pursue any further findings that emerge from the ongoing investigation.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
