County settles with fired corrections officer

Montgomery County has agreed to pay a former jail corrections officer $20,000 to settle union grievances stemming from his 2017 dismissal.

County commissioners approved the payment Tuesday to Jerrid Campbell, who was fired for “violations of numerous policies,” including use of force,” former Sheriff Phil Plummer said at the time.

At the time, Campbell alleged he was fired for speaking to the Dayton Daily News and other media outlets about allegations that female inmates were segregated by race at the county jail, and claimed the sheriff ’s office fostered a hostile working environment toward black employees.

In the settlement, Campbell and the Patrolman’s Benevolent Association, agree to withdraw three grievances and not bring future claims against the county. Campbell also agrees to drop any current claims, including those from a federal lawsuit brought by an inmate in which Campbell was a defendant and asked the county to pay for his legal representation.

The inmate, Daryl Wallace, alleged Campbell “viciously beat” him — using his handcuffs like brass knuckles — in a Sept. 28, 2015, jail fight caught on video.

An internal sheriff ’s investigation after the fight found Campbell broke departmental policy when he punched Wallace, and Campbell was suspended for 10 days.

Records show the sheriff ’s office referred the matter to city and county prosecutors, who declined to press charges.

Montgomery County settled the lawsuit with Wallace in 2017.

In Tuesday’s settlement, Campbell also agrees to accept a resignation from the department dated May 23, 2017. He and the union also agree not to make disparaging remarks or critical statements either verbally or in writing about the county or sheriff ’s office.

Campbell did not return calls and messages Tuesday seeking comment for this story.

Contact this reporter at 937-225-2442 or Chris.Stewart@coxinc.com.