PhotoA jury recommended on Monday that prosecutors file criminal charges against seven Milwaukee County jail employees over the death of Terrill Thomas, an inmate who the authorities say died of dehydration after going a week without water. The jury found probable cause to charge the seven staff members, including two supervisors, with felony abuse, according to Erik Heipt, a lawyer representing Mr. Thomas’s estate. “Nothing like this should ever happen in an American jail,” Mr. Heipt said, “and we’re pleased that justice is taking its course.”The jury’s inquest began April 24, exactly one year after Mr. Thomas, 38, was found dead in his cell. The Milwaukee County district attorney’s office, which had requested the inquest, is not bound by the recommendation.

Source: New York Times May 02, 2017 00:11 UTC