Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Crime, Law and Justice
Kirsti Marohn
Brainerd, Minn.

Lawsuit alleges Sherburne County negligent in jail inmate's death

The exterior of the Sherburne County jail
Justice Lee White hanged himself in the Sherburne County jail on April 10, 2020.
Dymanh Chhoun | Sahan Journal

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Sherburne County is facing another lawsuit in the death of a jail inmate who died by suicide.

Justice Lee White, 23, hanged himself in the Sherburne County jail on April 10, 2020. He died at a hospital 11 days later.

White's aunt and trustee, Christine Roybal, filed a federal lawsuit against the county and two correctional officers who were assigned to White's unit that day.

According to the complaint, a grand jury indicted White in October 2019 for an alleged criminal sexual assault that occurred on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in 2015. He was taken to the Sherburne County jail, which has a contract to house federal inmates.

The lawsuit alleges White suffered from serious mental health problems and suicidal thoughts while he was in the jail.

It says staff ignored warning signs and didn't adequately inspect White's special lockdown cell — the same one where another inmate, James Lynas, died by suicide in 2017. Sherburne County agreed to pay $1.3 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Lynas' family.

In a statement, White's attorney, Andrew Noel, said they want to know what steps were taken after Lynas' death, and how a similar event could happen again.

“Simple measures can prevent jail suicide, but effective prevention requires attention and accountability,” Noel stated.

The complaint says correctional officers checked on inmates through a small porthole window from a catwalk, which provided an obscured view of the cell.

It notes that an inspection of the jail by the Minnesota Department of Corrections in June 2022 found that well-being checks were conducted at least once every 30 minutes as required, but “at too fast of a pace to recognize signs of life.”

Jason Hiveley, an attorney representing the county, said he's reviewing the complaint and will file a response by May 8.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential phone & text crisis support. Call or text 988 to get started.