Karen Kelly, a former jailer at Walker County Jail in Alabama, has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges for her role in the death of mentally ill inmate Tony Mitchell. Mitchell died of hypothermia after being held naked in a concrete cell in extremely cold conditions. Kelly was aware of the dangerous conditions but did not alert authorities out of fear of retaliation. Mitchell, who suffered from mental illness and drug addiction, was arrested after a welfare check and died two weeks later. Another jailer, Joshua Conner Jones, also agreed to plead guilty for his involvement in Mitchell’s mistreatment. Prosecutors indicated there were five co-conspirators involved, suggesting that more individuals could be charged in connection to Mitchell’s death. Kelly’s attorney stated that she hopes her actions will lead to new policies to protect inmates in the jail. After Mitchell’s death, Kelly leaked a video showing him being carried out of the jail unconscious, in an effort to reveal the truth of what happened. The plea agreements highlight the disturbing treatment Mitchell received while in custody, and the ongoing investigation suggests further charges may be filed against those responsible for his death.
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