MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — New video obtained by 7 Action News shows a charged Macomb County Corrections officer assaulting an inmate, pushing his head into the ground and tasing the suspect. James Stanley, 39, was charged back in May.
The investigation into Stanley began after two use-of-force incidents involving him.
On July 11, 2018, an inmate had been brought into the jail for Disorderly Person. He was placed into a restraining chair by several corrections deputies for his own safety due to his behavior, according to the release.
While placing the inmate into the chair, Stanley allegedly pushed the inmate's head into the chair with excessive force causing him to get a bloody and swollen nose.
On Sept. 23, an inmate was going to be placed into a restraint chair for his safety. During the process of attempting to place him into the restraining chair, Stanley allegedly discharged a Taser into the inmate's chest against department policy. Other than being tased, the inmates had no injuries.
Officials say both inmates have been uncooperative in the investigations.
The incidents were sent to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office and Stanley was charged with Assault or Assault and Battery.
"It is our job to not only protect the citizens of Macomb County, but to also protect the inmates housed in the Macomb County Jail," said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “Our Agency is filled with hard working individuals that possess ethics and integrity; men and women that come to work each day knowing that they are dealing with the people that society fears. These two men violated agency policy and their behavior is unacceptable. We did not hesitate to take action in either case and thorough investigations were completed. The results of these investigations were turned over to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office with requests for criminal charges. It is highly unsettling to know that our staff members have acted criminally, tarnishing the reputation that our hard working men and women strive for every day. We will continue to work to the best of our abilities, stay transparent, and keep the trust of the citizens that we serve."
7 Action News Reporter Simon Shaykhet will have part two of his report on this video tonight on 7 Action News at 11pm, after the NBA Finals on WXYZ-TV.
