The Daviess County Detention Center announced disciplinary action was taken against staff following an internal review into the August death of an inmate.
Officials said the investigation found surveillance checks were completed, but that staff failed to document signs of life in the hours before the inmate, Dalton Gordon, was discovered unresponsive.
As OT previously reported, Gordon was arrested by the Owensboro Police Department for public intoxication and transported to the detention center on the morning of August 19. According to a release issued by DCDC on September 23, Gordon received a medical evaluation during intake, was searched, and was entered into the system before being assigned to a temporary holding cell while awaiting a more formal booking.
Jailer Art Maglinger said Gordon was able to interact and answer questions at the time of the evaluation.
The DCDC release says Gordon was found unresponsive at approximately 5 a.m. on August 20 when a medical emergency was reported. Jail and medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but officials said Gordon likely died in his sleep prior to the medical emergency being identified.
The detention center said an administrative review was conducted in response to the critical incident. DCDC also requested investigations by the Kentucky State Police and the Daviess County Coroner’s Office. An autopsy and toxicology determined Gordon’s death was accidental due to multi-drug intoxication. KSP reported there was no suspected criminal involvement by jail staff, according to the DCDC release.
The release says that staff conducted periodic surveillance checks as required by state law. However, they acknowledged “apparent signs of life were not documented by jail staff in the hours leading up to the medical emergency, as is required by the Jail’s internal policies. As a result, disciplinary action was taken.”
DCDC officials did not disclose how many staff members faced disciplinary action or what that action was.
Maglinger said the deputy received suspension time and will receive additional training.
In the release, DCDC wrote: “Our agency remains committed to the health and safety of the inmates, staff, and community. Our condolences and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Mr. Gordon.”
