Butler County Jail Faces New Abuse Allegations
A federal lawsuit filed in Cincinnati accuses staff at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office of assaulting Ecuadoran immigrant detainee Luis Tenelanda while he was being held for federal immigration authorities.
The lawsuit alleges Sgt. Corneal Rowe used racial slurs before punching Tenelanda during a June 2025 incident at the Butler County Jail in Hamilton, Ohio. According to the complaint, Tenelanda lost consciousness, later vomited blood, and was eventually taken to a hospital for treatment.
Claims of Abuse and Poor Oversight
The lawsuit accuses jail officials of failing to properly supervise and train staff, while immigrant-rights advocates described the alleged incident as part of a broader pattern of mistreatment inside the jail.
Lynn Tramonte said the officer involved reportedly received only an oral reprimand for failing to file an incident report.
The sheriff’s office declined to comment on the pending litigation but said it remains committed to operating the jail professionally and safely.
Previous Allegations at Jail
Advocates noted the Butler County Jail has previously faced lawsuits from immigration detainees alleging excessive force and abuse. The facility has housed detainees for federal immigration authorities during both Trump administrations.
Tenelanda, who lived in the United States for decades and worked construction jobs in Ohio, was later deported to Ecuador. According to advocates, he continues to suffer from injuries that limit his ability to work.
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