A Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy has been arrested and terminated following an investigation.
James Jones, 66, was arrested Wednesday evening for battery. He posted a $1,000 bail and was released. The officer had worked for the PCSO since 2021.
Jones was assigned to guard George Miller at the St. Petersburg-based HCA Florida Northside Hospital in December, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri explained at a media event today.
Miller had been arrested by the St. Petersburg Police Department for burglary, felony battery and criminal mischief in May. As soon the inmate entered the Pinellas County Jail, he became “problematic” and caused issues with staff members.
After experiencing a medical event in November, Miller was brought to the hospital. It was later determined that he would need surgery, Gualtieri said.
Jones began to guard Miller Dec. 1. Around 8 p.m., he told his supervisor that the inmate was throwing a “temper tantrum.”
There was an “indication” that Miller may have not been “properly restrained,” Gualtieri explained. However, this could not be confirmed due to a lack of video evidence.
About two and a half hours after the officer first reported the behavior, a registered nurse was standing outside Miller’s room and “heard a shouting match” between the two men.
Once she walked into the room, the medical professional witnessed Jones physically assault Miller. She described it as a “slam dunk” punch in the middle of his chest. Additionally, the nurse would later notice a “contusion” on Miller’s left cheek and a “laceration” over his eye.
She reported the incident to her supervisor and hospital representatives contacted the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Upon the investigation, it was determined that Miller did not have any injuries prior to the event, Gualtieri said.
After Jones’ supervisor asked him about the incident, the deputy said that Miller had “kicked” and “struck” him. However, the evidence is “contrary to that.” Gualtieri added that Jones’ statements were “inconsistent” with the facts.
The officer never officially reported being attacked by Miller that evening.
“There is simply no lawful reason for Deputy Jones to strike Miller and in doing so, he committed a crime,” said Gualtieri. “Jones didn’t act professionally and just handle the situation. He lost his temper and split open Miller’s eye and punched him in the chest. He’s gotta be accountable for that.”
In October, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office fired five other corrections officers for misconduct.