WICHITA, Kan. — A federal jury has found five detention center employees liable in a 2021 in-custody death of a juvenile, awarding more than $8 million to his estate more than four years after the incident.
The verdict stems from the September 2021 death of 17-year-old Cedric “CJ” Lofton, who died days after being restrained at the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center. Jurors awarded $8.3 million to Lofton’s estate following a civil trial in U.S. District Court, KSN reports.
Jurors ultimately found that three defendants used excessive force by placing Lofton in a prolonged prone restraint and applying weight to his body. The jury also determined that four defendants violated Lofton’s constitutional right to be free from excessive restraint and that all five corrections officers failed to intervene.
The damages awarded included $5 million for Lofton’s loss of enjoyment of life, $1.3 million for lost future earnings, $1 million for physical pain and suffering, and $1 million for mental and emotional suffering, according to KSN.
According to court testimony, Lofton’s foster father called 911 during what he believed was a mental health crisis. Law enforcement officers later transported him to the juvenile intake facility after reporting that Lofton resisted and assaulted officers during the response.
Several hours after arriving at the center, Lofton experienced another mental health episode and became involved in a physical struggle with staff, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. The incident was captured on facility video.
During the encounter, corrections officers restrained Lofton in a prone position for approximately 39 minutes. He stopped breathing during the restraint and was later revived, according to KSN. Lofton died several days later at a hospital. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be cardiopulmonary arrest.
The five officers involved stated they used force because Lofton was actively struggling.
No criminal charges were filed in connection with the incident. However, Lofton’s brother, Marquan Teetz, filed a federal civil lawsuit the following year, alleging excessive force and failures to intervene.
During the trial, attorneys for Lofton’s family argued that the level and duration of force were excessive, questioning whether five staff members were necessary to restrain a 135-pound juvenile, KSN reports.
Sedgwick County officials confirmed that four of the five defendants remain employed with the county’s Department of Corrections.
In a statement, the county said it is reviewing the verdict and evaluating next steps.
“Sedgwick County continues to follow its values in integrity and service to the people,” the statement read. “We respect the judicial process and are reviewing the verdict, awaiting the finalization of court proceedings and discussing next steps.”
