© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
TECHNOTE: Wed 9/3/25 Broadcast interruptions during tower work 9am-5pm

Lawsuit Alleges Inmate Was Attacked By Deputy At Jail

Chris Miller
/
flickr creative commons

A former inmate at a jail in southern Michigan has filed a federal lawsuit saying he was unjustly attacked and sprayed with mace following a 2016 arrest.

MLive.com reports the lawsuit by 37-year-old Daniel Bewernitz of Fowlerville seeks more than $75,000 and includes the allegations about a Jackson County sheriff's deputy.

Bewernitz was arrested following a fight with his brother in October 2016. The lawsuit says Bewernitz requested medical attention and was pounding on his cell door when the deputy told him to stop the banging, kicked him and sprayed him with mace. Bewernitz, who is currently imprisoned on other felony convictions, says he suffered a permanent injury to his right eye.

The Jackson County sheriff's office says it's aware of the lawsuit, but couldn't comment on specific details.

Related Content
Every WKAR News story you read is rooted in fact-based, local journalism, produced without commercial influence and available for free to everyone in mid-Michigan. No paywalls. Ever.

But this work doesn’t fund itself. With significant cuts to federal funding, public media is facing a critical moment. If you believe in journalism that serves the public interest, now is the time to act. Donate today.