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Washtenaw County Deputy to Stand Trial for Assault

LANSING - A judge has ruled a corrections deputy in Washtenaw County should go to trial for assaulting a jail inmate, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today. 

Cpl. Christopher Ellul was among officers charged as a result of several public integrity investigations conducted by Nessel's Public Integrity Unit (PIU)

In May, Ellul was arraigned on the following in the 14A-1 District Court: 

  • one count of assault and battery, a 93-day misdemeanor; and 
  • one count of misconduct in office by a public official, a five-year felony. 

Last August, Ellul was working at the Washtenaw County Jail when he assisted in removing an inmate from a cell. Video evidence shows that Ellul grabbed the restrained inmate by the neck twice. According to the county's use of force policy, neck holds are considered deadly force.  

Following a preliminary exam last month, Judge J. Cedric Simpson bound the case over to circuit court Tuesday morning. 

"Seeing Mr. Ellul bound over for trial reinforces our commitment to ensuring those who are hired to protect and serve do so with utmost integrity," Nessel said. 

The next court date is Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m. for a pretrial conference. 

Questions regarding Ellul's current employment status should be directed to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office. 

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Please note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.

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