Deputies Indicted in Inmate Death

AKRON - A grand jury on Friday indicted five sheriff's deputies, one on a murder charge, in the death of a jail inmate who was restrained by the wrists and ankles and hit with pepper spray and a stun gun during a struggle.

Summit County Sheriff's Deputy Stephen Kendrick could be sentenced to life in prison if he is convicted of murder in the Aug. 20, 2006, death of Mark McCullaugh Jr., 28.

Sgt. Brett Hadley and Deputy Brian Pollinger were indicted on reckless homicide charges and deputies Mark Mayer and Dominic Martucci were indicted on felonious assault charges.

The five will be arraigned Tuesday before visiting Judge H.F. Inderlied, according to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason. His staff in Cleveland handled the grand jury investigation for the Summit County prosecutor to avoid a conflict of interest.

McCullaugh's death was ruled a homicide.

He had heart disease and died from asphyxiation due to the "combined effects of chemical, mechanical and electrical restraint," the autopsy said.

Summit County Sheriff Drew Alexander, who had said the deputies acted appropriately, wasn't available for comment on the charges or the duty status of the deputies.

A message seeking comment was left for Alexander, who was away from his office Friday afternoon, his staff said.

The 6-foot-2, 306-pound McCullaugh was arrested by Akron police on charges of felony assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Sheriff's officials said McCullaugh was in the jail's mental health unit and had repeatedly injured himself.

None of the deputies could be reached for comment

Cincinnati Enquirer