A former Walker County jail employee will plead guilty to deprivation of rights in connection with the 2023 death of Tony Mitchell.
Braxton Kee worked in the jail at the time of Mitchell’s incarceration.
Mitchell died from hypothermia and sepsis two weeks after he was arrested for firing at deputies during a mental health welfare check.
The latest plea deal brings the total number of former jail employees, including one nurse, charged in the case to 14.
According to the plea agreement, Kee worked the overnight shift at the Walker County Jail. He said jail managers told him Mitchell was on suicide watch, although that was unusual because medical staff typically made that determination. He observed Mitchell lying on the cold floor, naked and frequently covered in feces. When he became concerned about Mitchell’s mental and physical health, he went to the medical staff and to his superior, but the conditions did not change.
On one occasion, Kee said he entered Mitchell’s cell to give him water, but when he tried to leave, Mitchell blocked the door with his arm. Kee repeatedly kicked the inmate’s arm until another jailer arrived and dragged Mitchell back into the cell.
Kee said he attempted to convince the nurse and jail command staff to call for an ambulance, but they didn’t. He said he didn’t call because he was afraid of being fired.
Just four months before the incident, Kee was awarded Corrections Officer of the Month for September 2022.
By signing the plea agreement, Kee admitted he did not take reasonable steps to save Mitchell’s life.
The agreement will go a federal judge and if the judge signs the agreement, sentencing will be set at a later date.
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