Deputy pleads guilty in jailhouse food tampering

COLUMBUS (AP) — A former Ohio deputy accused of feeding an inmate a bologna sandwich that been rubbed against another inmate’s genitals has pleaded guilty to two health code violations.

In a Columbus courtroom today, 38-year-old Joseph Cantwell also apologized for the shame and embarrassment that he said he had caused. A judge fined him $500 plus court costs, and Cantwell also received a 90-day suspended jail sentence and five years’ probation.

Cantwell’s attorney called the February incident at the Franklin County Jail a “prank.” It led Sheriff Jim Karnes to fire Cantwell and his partner in May. The other deputy was not charged with a crime.

The inmates who were involved have filed lawsuits against the county.