Clermont County, Ohio – During a July incident at the county jail, corrections officer Matthew Mullenix entered the cell of an inmate identified only as R.D. after the inmate wrapped a T‑shirt around his own neck. According to the prosecutor’s office, Mullenix removed the shirt but then escalated the encounter, delivering multiple fist strikes, a knee strike, and forcing the inmate to the floor, causing the inmate to hit his head on a desk leg.
Prosecutor’s case
Assistant prosecutor Lara Baron Allen described the video from Mullenix’s body‑worn camera as showing “reasonable force” in removing the shirt, followed by “unreasonable escalation” with repeated blows. The footage captures Mullenix shouting commands – “Get on the ground! Give me your hands!” – while R.D. writhes on the cell floor. Baron Allen said the force “grossly exceeded what was reasonably necessary to control R.D. and safely resolve the situation.” She added that the inmate suffered at least six fractured ribs and a head injury that required 23 staples.
Defense response
Mullenix’s attorney, Stew Mathews, argued that the short video released does not tell the whole story. “Obviously there’s a whole lot more to it. Cameras, I’ve tried a number of cases that involve body‑worn cameras and they never tell the whole story,” Mathews said after the arraignment. He emphasized that the officer has been on administrative leave since the July incident and that the case should be evaluated with all context considered.
Community reaction
More than a dozen supporters, including several fellow Clermont County corrections officers, attended the Batavia courtroom to back Mullenix. “Things happen in jails. It’s not pretty. A lot of things happen, and I think all of these corrections officers who are present understand that and have probably experienced it. And they support their brother officer,” Mathews said.
Legal status
Mullenix was charged with two counts of felony assault. He entered a plea of not guilty and posted a $15,000 bond. The case will proceed through the county courts, with the prosecutor seeking to prove that the officer’s actions were excessive and caused serious injury.
What’s next?
The prosecution plans to present the full body‑camera footage and medical records at a future hearing. Defense counsel says they will contest the interpretation of the video and argue that the officer acted within the scope of his duties to protect staff and inmates.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
