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County, sheriff named in suit that says jailer fired for complaints about excessive force

308 views · Published 14 May 2018 · 2:46 · Indexed 24 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2018 · News & Politics

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CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Ousted jailer Charmaine McGuffey complains about sexism, homophobia and violence in the Hamilton County Jail in a lawsuit filed on Wednesday by ousted jailer Charmaine McGuffey. Sheriff Jim Neil and Hamilton county are named in the suit.

McGuffey says she was targeted when she tried to protect inmates.

Charmaine McGuffey took over the Hamilton County Jail when it was the worst in Ohio, according to the suit filed on Wednesday. Three years later, it was considered one of the best.

During that time, the first female major ever in the sheriff’s office was named Law Enforcement Officer and Public Citizen of the Year. The governor’s office even visited the jail to review her programs, including the women’s recovery pod.

The suit says in the sheriff’s office, McGuffey was targeted for being a woman and a lesbian,  It also says Chief Deputy Mark Schoonover demeaned her during staff meetings and berated her in front of  male colleagues.

When she told Sheriff Jim Neil about the disrespectful behavior, the suit says he told her that some men "just don't like working for a woman".

McGuffey was fired last year after bosses said she created a hostile workplace. "This is a witch hunt,” said McGuffey.

The suit claims discrimination and retaliation. McGuffey said she was also fired for protecting inmates against excessive force, which is a state and federal standard for jails.

"Major McGuffey expressed concern more than once about excessive force in the jail,” said McGuffey’s attorney, Kelly Myers.

An incident caught on surveillance video is one of the examples the lawsuit cited. It showed an inmate being thrown into a cell by Deputy Jason Mize. The inmate ended up with head injuries and a broken hip. McGuffey wanted Mize disciplined. He was not.

"The allegation is that Ms. McGuffey's complaints about excessive force wasn't heard and instead she was forced out,” said Myers.

The suit alleges investigations into excessive force were designed to protect deputies from discipline.

McGuffey sat with her attorney during Local 12’s interview, but didn't want to speak while the suit is pending.

The suit seeks compensation for what she's been through and McGuffy's job back.

The sheriff’s office says it has been served with the suit, but does not talk about pending litigation.

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