Seven people connected to the Monroe County Jail were arraigned in court on Monday in connection with the in-custody death of Lester Isbill. The group includes current and former sheriff’s office staff and two nurses from the jail’s medical team. They face charges including official misconduct, criminally negligent homicide, and filing false reports. Isbill, 74, died in custody; his death was first ruled accidental due to health conditions but was later classified as a homicide by the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, as reported by WVLT.
Isbill died on February 7, a day after being arrested for disorderly conduct, according to WATE. Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones said Isbill was placed in a restraint chair and given a mesh spit mask. The death was first thought to be from natural causes, like heart arrhythmia, but later reports mentioned dehydration and long restraint as factors. Isbill’s daughter, Windy Duncan, said he went nine hours without basic care or medication.
Personnel files and jail records show past discipline for some officers. Sergeant Josh Duncan was suspended for allowing falsified logs related to Isbill’s restraint. Officer Tyler Finger was previously terminated from the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office over a sexual assault allegation that did not lead to charges, as mentioned by WBIR. A status hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2026. Former sheriff’s office employees Joshua Duncan, Tommy Reagan, Tyler Finger, Elijah Spencer, and Jerron Henry face official misconduct charges. Nurses Courtney Woods and Greg Mills are charged with criminally negligent homicide and filing a false report.
