FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 27, 2007

Statement of State Attorney Steve Meadows relative to the Jackson County Grand Jury investigation

"The Office of the State Attorney received a complaint alleging that an inmate at the Jackson County Correctional Facility was battered by one or more correctional officers. This complaint was thoroughly investigated by the Marianna Police Department and investigators from the State Attorney’s Office. All potentially relevant evidence and records were collected, all witness were interviewed, and the entire investigation was presented to the Jackson County Grand Jury for consideration.

"All individuals with relevant testimony appeared before the Grand Jury as did representatives of interested community organizations. All persons who wished to address the Grand Jury were allowed to do so--without limitation.

"Since the beginning of our system of justice and according to current Florida law, the discussions and deliberations of the Grand Jury are secret. The deliberations are conducted and decisions made in a session that is not attended by anyone, including court personnel or the staff of the State Attorney.

"The State Attorney is the legal advisor to the Grand Jury and is charged with the presentation of all available evidence: both incriminating and exculpatory. We must also advise the Grand Jury of all applicable statutes, court decision, and rules of law. This office fulfilled that obligation in a fair and thorough manner.

"The Jackson County Grand Jury, after consideration of the entire investigation, has elected to issue the attached presentment. According to law, all institutions of government must give great deference to the ultimate decisions of the presiding Grand Jury."

Text of Grand Jury Presentment:

The Grand Jury of the State of Florida and County of Jackson, empaneled and sworn in July, 2007, to inquire and true presentment make, in and for the Spring Term, 2007, respectfully report the following:

In an incident at the Jackson County Correctional Facility on March 10, 2007 where staff member, Phillip Jefferson Winget, allegedly battered or used excessive force on inmate, B.M., and having taken testimony and reviewed video evidence, we the Grand Jury find that Phillip Jefferson Winget used only the force necessary for self-protection and the protection of other inmates and correctional officers and that no criminal charges are warranted against Phillip Jefferson Winget.

Presented this 14th day of September, 2007.