ELYRIA, Ohio — A Lorain County corrections officer who was fired earlier this year will return to work after an arbitrator determined the sheriff’s office lacked sufficient cause for his dismissal and relied on outdated disciplinary records, The Chronicle-Telegram reported.
Corrections Officer Christopher B. Jackson, 60, was fired by Lorain County Sheriff Jack Hall on April 21 following a December 2024 altercation with inmate Thomas Hoskins at the Lorain County Jail. The Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (OPBA), which represents the jail’s unionized corrections officers, filed a grievance the next day.
The arbitrator’s decision, issued Oct. 27, reduced Jackson’s punishment to a 30-day suspension and ordered his reinstatement with back pay, seniority and any overtime he would have earned after May 21.
In his written decision, the arbitrator said the sheriff’s office failed to meet the standard of “just cause,” which requires convincing evidence that a rule was broken and that the discipline was proportional to the offense.
Jackson’s attorney said the corrections officer is expected to receive about $30,000 in back pay and attorney fees from the county.
Altercation at Lorain County Jail
The incident occurred on Dec. 29, 2024, when Hoskins — an inmate described as having a history of violent behavior toward staff — allegedly threw a cup of feces at Jackson during meal service, according to The Chronicle-Telegram. Jackson radioed for backup, then entered the cell to restrain Hoskins, who he said attacked him again.
A supervisor determined Jackson’s use of force was justified. However, the sheriff’s office later launched an internal investigation led by Corrections Inspector Ryan Kolegar, who concluded Jackson had violated several policies by entering the cell alone and “placing himself and others at risk,” according to the ruling. Kolegar cited Jackson’s past disciplinary history and recommended termination.
Sheriff Hall said he believed termination was appropriate, describing Jackson’s actions as “egregious.” But OPBA attorney George Gerken said the ruling showed Jackson didn’t break any rules.
Hall said Jackson will return to work “with the same expectations as any other corrections officer.”
The inmate’s related assault and harassment charges were later dismissed. He remains in state custody on a separate parole violation.
