Ben Perkins, of Oliver Maner, LLP, recently obtained summary judgment for its clients, ending all civil claims against them in a case that garnered international attention. Judgment was obtained for Oliver Maner clients Sheriff John Wilcher, Lieutenant Debra Johnson, and Deputy Andreux Evans-Martinez. Sheriff John Wilcher was also represented by County Attorney Jon Hart.

Ajibade, whose family brought the civil case, died in 2015 while in custody at the Chatham County Detention Center after becoming combative with deputies. U.S. District Judge R. Stan Baker found Wilcher did not deprive Ajibade of his constitutional rights, nor was he indifferent to the medical needs of inmates. Judge Baker also ruled that Johnson and Evans-Martinez did not apply excessive force and were not indifferent to the medical needs of Ajibade.

“Sheriff Wilcher had not been elected as sheriff when this incident occurred (he was sued by virtue of holding the office when the suit was filed), but he and each of my clients are pleased that the Court vindicated them.  The Sheriff continues to serve and protect the citizens of Chatham County, and his efforts to further improve the jail are widely recognized,” said Perkins, noting that the Chatham County Detention Center is the first jail in the country to be accredited for mental health services as well as the first to achieve dual accreditation in mental health and health services from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

Perkins, a partner in the litigation section of Oliver Maner, concentrates his practice in the areas of municipal and county liability, zoning and land use litigation, professional negligence, and business and employment litigation.