Great Lakes Wire

Former corrections officer Christopher Cluley, 48, of Mount Pleasant, pled guilty to one count each of Aggravated Assault and Willful Neglect of Duty for assaulting an inmate in the Isabella County Jail, as announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Nessel emphasized the importance of holding officers accountable, stating, "Corrections officers have a sworn obligation to protect those in their custody and must be held accountable when they break their oaths."

The incident took place in April 2020 when Cluley was overseeing a cell transfer following a verbal disagreement between the inmate and another corrections officer. Video evidence revealed that Cluley forcefully handled the inmate during the transfer, resulting in serious injuries. The inmate was pushed into a cell door, then into a wall, and ultimately pushed to the ground, causing a fractured left knee.

Following an internal investigation by the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, the case was referred to the Michigan State Police, who then involved the Department of Attorney General’s Public Integrity Unit. Cluley was subsequently placed on administrative leave.

As part of his plea agreement, Cluley agreed to never work as a corrections officer in Michigan again. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20th in 21st Circuit Court in Mt. Pleasant before Judge Eric Janes.

The Attorney General commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in bringing Cluley to justice, stating, "I applaud the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, the Michigan State Police, and my prosecutors for their efforts that made today’s plea possible."

This case serves as a reminder of the responsibility law enforcement officers hold in ensuring the safety and well-being of those in their custody, and the consequences they face when failing to uphold their duties.