PARAGOULD, Ark. — Greene County officials took decisive action after the tragic death of 18‑year‑old Atiyana Willis while she was in custody at the county detention center. On September 30, jail administrator Jacob White and lieutenant Bryan Alspaugh were among nine employees terminated for inadequate supervision and violations of department procedures. Three additional staff members were dismissed on October 14, bringing the total to twelve.
Termination letters detail supervisory failures
In a termination letter dated September 30, County Sheriff Mike Snyder wrote that an internal investigation uncovered multiple violations by employees under White’s command. “Your failure to adequately supervise and enforce department procedures has caused me to lose faith and confidence in your ability to meet the expectations of this department,” Snyder stated.
Alspaugh’s letter cited his own on‑duty conduct as a reason for his dismissal. The remaining ten employees received similar letters, each citing on‑duty conduct that violated department policies and procedures. The letters did not specify the exact actions taken by each employee during Willis’s detention, nor did they identify the precise policies that were breached.
List of employees dismissed
Effective September 30:
- Jacob White – Jail Administrator
- Lt. Bryan Alspaugh – Jail Supervisor
- Christopher Bryant
- Fini Moore
- Katlynn Green
- Kenneth Rogers
- Megan Sheridan
- Timothy Moffitt
- Wayne Brandt
Effective October 14:
- Cody Howe
- Dane Barnum
- Rhett Lowe
Snyder announced the three additional firings on October 19, noting that the letters showed those employees had been dismissed five days earlier.
Earlier disciplinary actions highlighted
Alspaugh’s file also contains a verbal reprimand from early September involving a different inmate. A medical provider had ordered the inmate’s transport to a hospital, but Alspaugh intervened, citing staffing concerns. The inmate later reported feeling better, yet the report emphasized that only medical staff could alter transport orders. White, listed as the supervising officer on the reprimand form, noted that the decision was made to avoid further short‑staffing, a convenience the report deemed unacceptable.
Operations officer Katlynn Green had faced two unpaid suspensions prior to her September termination. An April 15 notice cited repeated personal phone use on duty as insubordination, while an August 18 notice addressed attendance and tardiness, warning that further misconduct could lead to termination.
Positive performance records also noted
Several of the dismissed employees’ files included favorable performance evaluations and nominations for “officer of the month,” indicating that the department had recognized good work alongside the serious failures that led to the terminations.
Legal action continues
Willis’s estate filed a federal civil‑rights lawsuit on October 1, alleging deficiencies in medical care, supervision, and training at the detention center. The released personnel files, totaling 993 pages, contain no autopsy findings and do not establish whether any specific employee’s actions directly caused or contributed to Willis’s death.
Attorney Kimberly Dale made the documents public in response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by NEA Report on October 19.
Community response
Local leaders and residents have expressed concern over the safety of detainees and the need for robust training and oversight in county facilities. Sheriff Snyder has pledged additional training for all jail staff to ensure that future emergencies are handled promptly and according to medical directives.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
