Sheriff Gualtieri Terminates Corrections Deputy for Battery on Inmate
PINELLAS COUNTY — On January 29, 2026, Bob Gualtieri held a press conference announcing the arrest and termination of a corrections deputy following a battery investigation.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation stemmed from an incident involving inmate George J. Miller. Miller, 56, was arrested on May 29, 2025, by the St. Petersburg Police Department on charges of felony battery, criminal mischief to a place of worship, and burglary of an occupied dwelling. Unable to post bond, Miller remained in custody at the Pinellas County Jail.
On November 20, 2025, Miller experienced a medical event while in custody and was transported to a hospital, where it was determined he required surgery. In accordance with the sheriff’s office policy, Miller was placed in a single-occupancy room and restrained while in his hospital bed unless receiving active medical care. Deputies remained with him during his hospital stay.
On December 1, 2025, Deputy James Jones was assigned to guard Miller at the hospital. At approximately 8:00 p.m., Jones reported that Miller was acting out. Later that evening, a registered nurse reported hearing a loud argument between Miller and Jones and observed Jones strike Miller in the chest. The nurse later observed a contusion on Miller’s left cheek and a laceration above his left eye. Miller told the nurse that the deputy had punched him.
The nurse reported the incident to hospital supervision, who notified the sheriff’s office. Investigators determined Miller did not have the injuries prior to the altercation. When interviewed, Jones claimed Miller kicked him; investigators stated his account was inconsistent with the evidence.
Jones, 66, who was hired on January 11, 2021, was arrested on January 28, 2026, on a battery charge and was immediately terminated from the sheriff’s office, effective the same day.
Sheriff Gualtieri stated, “There was simply no lawful reason for Deputy Jones to strike Miller, and in doing so he committed a crime, he committed a battery Deputy Jones didn’t act as a deputy sheriff should act, he didn’t act professionally and just handle the situation. He lost his temper and he split open Miller’s eye, punched him in the chest and split open his eye, and he has to be accountable for that.”
The full press conference is available below.