AG Charges U.P. Prison Staffers, Warden, Nurses Over Inmate Death

Eight former and current employees of the Alger Correctional Facility were charged today with felonies related to the in-custody death of former inmate Jonathan Lancaster, the Department of Attorney General announced.

Four of those facing charges are registered nurses who attended to Lancaster before his death, two corrections officers present at the time of his death and both former Acting Warden Scott Sprader and Assistant Deputy Warden Benny Mercier.

In a news release on the charges, the Department of Attorney General alleges that Lancaster ceased eating and drinking while incarcerated at Alger Correctional Facility. He was then placed in an observation cell and in restraints. He remained in the observation cell and restrained until he died three days later, the department said.

Despite weight loss in excess of 50 pounds in 15 days, an alleged widespread knowledge of his deteriorating state, and specific Department of Corrections policies governing how to handle these situations, the Department of Attorney General argues that Lancaster received no emergency medical attention until after his death.

“This death was a preventable tragedy that played out over days and under the defendants’ supervision,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. “These are serious, and numerous, charges that reflect the broad culpability the defendants shoulder in the death of Jonathan Lancaster. The eight defendants had a responsibility for the care and well-being of those in their custody, and my office will continue to rigorously pursue accountability when that is not met.”