Fayette County officials have placed three prison guards on administrative leave following the hospitalization of inmate Robert Stimmel. The 135‑pound man was taken to the county jail on a bench warrant for alleged terroristic threats and, two days later, was transferred to Ruby Memorial Hospital’s Trauma Center in Morgantown for treatment of brain bleeding and facial bruises.
District Attorney’s assessment
Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele, who also serves on the county prison board, said the available video evidence suggests the injuries were not present when Stimmel entered the processing area. “Unfortunately, all signs are pointing towards this not being an appropriate use of force,” Aubele said. “While we appreciate and honor the people who are prison guards, we have an obligation to look out for the safety of the people being held in that facility.”
Aubele added that the jail’s cameras do not cover the strip area where the incident occurred, a space that, by law, is not monitored. “During processing, your clothes are removed. You’re searched for weapons, contraband, showered and placed into prison wear before you are placed in the facility,” he explained.
Details of the incident
Stimmel’s most recent mugshot, taken shortly after processing, shows severe bruising on his face. Hospital staff treated him for brain bleeding. The district attorney noted that video from Uniontown police and the jail shows Stimmel did not have those injuries before entering the strip area. “We’ve looked at available video and statements that have been given. We are conducting further interviews to try to find out what happened,” Aubele said.
The three guards were placed on administrative leave last Thursday by the county prison board. Aubele, who abstained from the vote, said the decision reflects the seriousness with which the county is treating the matter.
Context and next steps
Stimmel has a long criminal record, including drug possession and assault charges, but Aubele does not view him as a significant threat without a weapon. “He’s not big enough, to me, for most people to consider him a real danger,” the DA said. “My initial thought is that it’s hard for me to believe it took much to control him while he was in the facility.”
After receiving medical care, Stimmel was returned to the jail earlier this week. The district attorney’s office continues to investigate whether the force used was justified. “It’s a thankless job,” Aubele said of prison guards. “I’ve done the job. I understand the difficulties they face every single day. I want to make very clear to the public that we take the incident that happened very seriously. There’s a way that it should’ve been handled. We’re trying to make sure we examine whether or not that’s what occurred.”
Community impact
The incident has raised concerns among Fayette County residents about jail safety and oversight. Local leaders emphasize the need for transparent investigations and proper staffing to protect both inmates and correctional officers. The county board has pledged to review camera placement policies and consider additional training for staff to prevent future incidents.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
