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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Henry County Corrections scandal lawsuit
2. Federal lawsuit Henry County Corrections
A civil lawsuit has been filed by Sam Shipley against dozens of Henry County officials for sexual abuse. The lawsuit follows a FOX59/CBS4 investigation that uncovered a state police probe into Jason Bertram, the deputy director of Henry County Community Corrections. Bertram allegedly coerced four men into sex acts while they were under his supervision, leading to his suicide when faced with impending arrest. Shipley, one of the victims, is seeking unspecified damages in the lawsuit. The lawsuit lists HCCC executive director Joni Williams, Sheriff John Sproles, Chase Hightower, and several other unidentified county officials as defendants. Shipley’s attorney commended the investigative work done by FOX59 and hopes for justice in the case.
1. Henry County Corrections scandal lawsuit
2. Federal lawsuit against Henry County Corrections
Man Files Lawsuit Against Henry County Officials Over Sexual Abuse Allegations
In a shocking turn of events, a man identified as a victim of sexual abuse is taking dozens of Henry County officials to court over allegations of misconduct and abuse. The victim, Sam Shipley, has filed a civil lawsuit in the US District Court for Southern Indiana for unspecified damages.
Background of the Lawsuit
The basis of the lawsuit stems from a FOX59/CBS4 investigation that uncovered a state police probe of Henry County Community Corrections that had been hidden from public view. The investigation revealed that four men, including Shipley, claimed they were coerced into sex acts by Jason Bertram, the deputy director of Henry County Community Corrections.
These men were sent to HCCC for monitoring as an alternative to incarceration. Police allege that Bertram used his authority to send the men to jail to lure them into sex acts, some of which were photographed by Bertram. Shipley was one of the four men identified in a report.
Tragic Turn of Events
After learning of his pending arrest, Bertram tragically committed suicide. Due to his death, there was no arrest or arraignment, and the police report was never placed in the publicly available statewide electronic court record system.
Shipley’s attorney, Jon Little, expressed his concerns about the lack of accountability in the case, stating, “Maybe Mr. Bertram wasn’t available to prosecute, but that doesn’t excuse looking into how this could have gone on when people were clearly complaining about it.”
Lawsuit Details
The lawsuit lists as defendants HCCC executive director Joni Williams, Sheriff John Sproles, Chase Hightower, and some 50 “Unknown Henry County Officials.” FOX59/CBS4 reached out to Williams for comment, but at the time this story was posted, there was no reply.
Little noted that while other documents may surface during the court case, he started with information and papers unearthed by FOX59, acknowledging the station’s contribution to the investigation.
Continuing Investigation
This lawsuit marks a significant step in seeking justice for the victims of sexual abuse in Henry County. As the case unfolds in court, more details may come to light, shedding further light on the extent of the misconduct within HCCC.
It is crucial for the community to hold officials accountable for their actions and ensure that measures are in place to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Shipley’s brave decision to pursue legal action sets a precedent for others who may have experienced similar abuse to come forward and seek justice.
As the case progresses, it will be essential to monitor developments and support the victims in their quest for justice and closure.
