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BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Elmore County jailer caught on video flinging a female inmate into a wall was sentenced Friday.
Sgt. Tom Robison was ordered to spend 5 days in jail or complete 100 hours of community service for his role in the December 2012 incident.
KBOI reports (http://bit.ly/1hNX8LS ) the inmate was shouting at deputies from her cell when the jailer entered and shoved her hard enough to knock her off her feet. In the video, the woman can be seen striking her head and body on the wall, before sitting down and rocking back and forth.
Jail policy states inmates who are on the receiving end of physical force should be examined by a doctor immediately. But the inmate —who lawyers for Robison say wasn't seriously hurt — wasn't examined for several hours.
Former Elmore County deputy Jason Mittleider says he told his captain what had happened, but his concerns were dismissed and no report on the incident was filed. Capt. Lynn McCallum later said the sergeant had not purposely shoved the inmate, and that such situations are common in the jail, according to court documents.
Meanwhile, Robison showed the video to several co-workers, including one who said he told her "you need to do that from time to time to get them to shut up," according to court documents.
Mittleider took the issue up the chain of command, informing investigators who launched an inquiry. Robison told investigators he had shoved the woman so hard because he lost his balance.
Shortly after the investigation wrapped up, Mittleider was fired for using profanity in the jail. He contends he was targeted in retribution for being a whistleblower.
Robison was charged with battery, but ultimately pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. Defense attorneys said the inmate has a history of attacks on law enforcement, and the video doesn't tell the whole story.
In addition to the jail time or community service, Robison was reduced in rank from sergeant to deputy. He continues to work at the jail.
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