Sheriff Deputy Dustin Sabo is fighting the 30-day suspension without pay he was given for roughing up former inmate, David Jones.
According to a police report, Jones and his uncle were arrested and taken to jail for disorderly conduct and intoxication. Jail video shows Jones and his uncle in the booking area. Both are handcuffed and walking back and forth in front of the booking counter.
It appears that a deputy places the uncle in a chair using minimum force. Jones, who is still handcuffed, walks toward Deputy Sabo. Investigators say the deputy claims he felt threatened.
Deputy Sabo grabs Jones and forces him against the wall. Then he throws Jones over some chairs onto the floor.
According to a Lucas County Sheriff's Office internal affairs report, investigators determined "there was no physical threat made by David Jones as he was subdued against the wall." That's why Deputy Sabo was disciplined for use of undue force and given a 30-day suspension without pay.
The investigation didn't stop there. The former inmate alleged the deputy also busted his lip and caused him to chip his tooth. In the video, when deputies bring the inmate out of the cell to book him, it appears Jones is resisting with his feet.
A deputy slams Jones head against a counter. The inmate questions his actions. "Man, why y'all bust my mouth," he is heard asking. As the deputies work to switch the inmate's handcuffs, Jones says he wants to file a report against the deputy.
Investigators could not say for sure the deputy slammed Jones' head on the counter. The jail nurse was called to look at the inmate, but Jones refused to allow her to check him out. He was transported to an area hospital, where he received stitches in his bottom lip
Deputy Sabo was reassigned from the booking area to records. He declined to comment about the investigation.
