TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Mar 21, 2025

The family of a man who died in custody at the Hamilton County Jail after being arrested for allegedly shoplifting has filed a federal lawsuit against the sheriff's office and the county. Deward Johnson was arrested in March 2024 in connection with a shoplifting incident at a Chattanooga Walmart and was dead by 9:25 p.m. that same day, according to the Times Free Press. The lawsuit claims Johnson's death was preventable, alleging he was in medical distress but received inadequate medical care. The complaint states that Johnson tested positive for meth, amphetamines and fentanyl after his arrest, and no precautions were taken to monitor him for potential adverse drug reactions. The suit calls for remedial plans to ensure the Hamilton County Jail complies with constitutional standards and seeks damages for Johnson's family. The sheriff's office previously stated that all individuals admitted to the jail undergo a health screening and that medical staff is available 24 hours a day.