More charges expected in Walker County jail case

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — A defense attorney suggests there will be more defendants in the death of Walker County Jail inmate Tony Mitchell, calling the case against his client “just the tip of the iceberg.”

Former correctional officer Joshua Conner Jones appeared in federal court for arraignment Thursday. It was previously announced that he pleaded guilty to civil rights violations for his role in Mitchell's death.

Thursday's hearing in federal court in Birmingham was a formality, with the judge advising Jones of his rights and setting bail. The court will schedule another hearing. Jones could receive a life sentence.

Attorney Scott Brower said a lack of supervision by supervisors and the culture at the Walker County Jail played a role in Mitchell's treatment. He was denied medical and mental health care for two weeks before his death, according to federal court documents.

Mitchell was arrested after his family applied for welfare out of fear of mental instability. The sheriff's office said Mitchell fired shots. The sheriff's website shows photos of Mitchell with his face spray-painted black.

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“Conner takes responsibility for his part in this. He is ashamed of his behavior and wants to make amends. As the complaint states, this could have been avoided without the behavior of the people in prison,” said defense attorney Scott Brower.

Tony Mitchell's aunt was at the courthouse for the hearing. She hopes that more people will be held accountable.

Court documents in the Jones case indicate that there were five co-conspirators in connection with Mitchell's death.

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“This has been a comprehensive investigation. Conner is the first to take responsibility. We will see others do what he did and come to a settlement or probably there will be an indictment next month,” Brower explained. He said that would include prison time and medical personnel.

Brower declined to comment on whether his client would testify against others.