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Family of inmate whose death led to charges against jail workers to settle lawsuit against Muskegon County
Updated May 10, 2021;
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MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – The family of an inmate whose death at the Muskegon County Jail led to manslaughter charges against four deputies and a nurse has agreed to settle a lawsuit against the county, court records show.
The family of Paul Bulthouse, 39, contended that authorities covered up the circumstances of his April 4, 2019, death.
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners has not been presented with a proposed settlement, County Administrator Mark Eisenbarth said.
Commissioners would have to review and approve any settlement.
“We know that the defendants were in the position to observe both on camera and in person, Mr. Bluthouse s seizures. And yet, they simply failed to assist him or care for him,” she said.
The five individuals were arranged in the 60th District Court in Muskegon before Judge Harold Closz and released on personal bond. The probable cause conference is scheduled for April 15th. The preliminary examination is on April 22nd.
The staff members have been temporarily reassigned from direct inmate supervision until court proceedings can be conducted, according to the Muskegon County Jail.
Sheriff Michael Poulin said after the incident, the Michigan Sheriff’s Association Mission Team conducted an independent investigation and concluded the staff acted appropriately in providing care and the performance of cell checks.”