By Steve White swhite@nebraska.tv
A special prosecutor will decide whether or not Hall County's assistant corrections director will face charges for refusing to take custody of an inmate.
Jimmy Vann, 32, was referred for "official misconduct by a public servant", a misdemeanor. It all stems from what seemed like a routine arrest. But what took place, police said, was anything but routine.
It happened February 1, when a Grand Island police officer brought in a prisoner picked up on a warrant. The man was wanted for skipping a trial date for misdemeanor criminal mischief.
Police Captain Pete Kortum said the department would not be making any statements on the case. However, Kortum provided NTV with a copy of a police report prepared by Sgt. Bud Edwards.
The police report states, "Vann refused to take custody of a lawfully arrested prisoner (Hall County warrant) who had no medical or mental issues, preventing his confinement. Vann failed to lawfully fulfill his responsibilities."
According to the report, police officer Wade Bentley arrested a man wanted on an outstanding warrant for criminal mischief. Then the incident with Vann took place around 7:53 a.m. on February 1, according to the police report.
Hall County Attorney Mark Young said he will not determine if charges should be filed, because that would be a conflict of interest. Young represents the jail as the county attorney and works closely with Grand Island police as the chief prosecutor.
Young told NTV he would be applying Wednesday for a special prosecutor to determine charges, if any, should be filed.
Jail officials have not responded to calls seeking comment. County board members say they are reviewing the situation.
