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The wife of a Nisswa man who died last year in the Crow Wing County jail has filed a federal lawsuit against the county and a correctional officer.

Robert Slaybaugh, 57, was booked into the jail on Feb. 22, 2024, on suspicion of drunk driving. He was found unresponsive in his cell later the same evening. A medical examiner ruled his death suicide by hanging.

The lawsuit was filed last week in U.S. District Court on behalf of Susan Slaybaugh, his wife of 32 years. It claims the county and correctional officer Brandon Anderson ignored red flags indicating Slaybaugh's need for medical and mental health care, including severe intoxication and a prior suicide attempt.

The lawsuit also says Slaybaugh was placed in a cell with a bunk bed that the Minnesota Department of Corrections had identified as a suicide risk. It had been used in multiple other suicide attempts at the jail.

"We think that it's critical that there be answers as to how he could have been left alone in a room with those hazardous bunks, given those other circumstances that really do create a substantial risk for suicide,” said attorney Jeff Storms with the Minneapolis law firm Storms Dworak, which is representing Susan Slaybaugh.

Storms said Slaybaugh was cleared to be placed in a general housing unit where guards check on inmates every 30 minutes, instead of more frequently as required for inmates who are potentially suicidal or experiencing withdrawal.

The lawsuit accuses Anderson of violating Slaybaugh’s constitutional rights under the 14th Amendment, and it accuses the county of maintaining policies and practices that “fostered a culture of disregard for suicide prevention.” It seeks a judgment in excess of $75,000. 

"It's both about accountability and justice,” Storms said. “And when we talk about accountability, not just for (Slaybaugh’s) family, but other families that are likely to have loved ones detained at the Crow Wing County jail."

Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang referred questions on the lawsuit to Jason Hiveley, a Bloomington attorney representing the county and its employees. Hiveley declined to comment on pending litigation.

Slaybaugh served for more than 30 years as camp director of Confidence Learning Center in Brainerd, which provides outdoor recreational experiences for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities. He also was one of the founders of the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. 

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

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Robert Slaybaugh, 57, was booked into the jail in February 2024 on suspicion of drunk driving. He was later found unresponsive in his cell. The lawsuit claims the county ignored red flags that he was at risk of suicide.

Exterior shot of the beige Crow Wing County Jail building.

Family sues Crow Wing County over 2024 death of man in jail

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