Two ex-jailers in North Texas have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts over the 2015 death of an inmate who'd been restrained.
Court records show 58-year-old Steven Schmidt and 34-year-old Pedro Medina reached plea deals Monday in Fort Worth. Both worked at the Arlington City Jail during the incarceration of 42-year-old Jonathan Ryan Paul.
Records show Paul was arrested in March 2015 following a domestic disturbance call at his apartment complex and he became disruptive. An autopsy determined jail restraints, pepper spray and Paul's acute psychosis contributed to his death.
Schmidt and Medina were originally charged with criminally negligent homicide. Schmidt, who retired, pleaded guilty to official oppression. Medina, who was fired, pleaded guilty to assault with bodily injury.
Arlington last year reached a $1.25 million settlement with Paul's relatives.
