A former Michigan police sergeant has received a sentence for assaulting a jail inmate under his supervision.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel made an announcement on Thursday, stating that Ronald Leggitt, a 44-year-old resident of Marshal, has been sentenced to two years’ probation for an assault incident that took place at the Hillsdale County Jail in December 2021.
According to the AG’s office, Leggitt’s sentence will begin with a seven-day jail term.
Leggitt pleaded guilty to charges of misconduct in office and aggravated assault in November, after being ordered to stand trial in the case the previous July.
According to the Attorney General’s office, Leggitt has permanently given up his MCOLES certification, which is necessary for someone to work as a police officer in Michigan.
Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, expressed her firm belief in ensuring the safety of the public by taking action against former police officer Mr. Leggitt. She emphasized that stripping him of his position prevents him from causing harm to those under his authority. Nessel also reiterated her department’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for abusing their positions of power.
In the early morning hours of December 16, 2021, a woman was taken into custody at the Hillsdale County Jail, where Leggitt was overseeing operations and staff, according to the AG’s office.
According to Nessel’s office, the jail staff was informed that the woman had resisted officers during the arrest.
According to Nessel’s office, Leggitt sprayed the chemical irritant directly into her face from a distance of just a few inches.
In five out of the six attacks, the woman was placed in an emergency restraint chair. In this chair, she was restrained using wrist and ankle cuffs, as well as a chest restraint.