BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Grayson Woods appeared in federal court Thursday, pleading not guilty to false imprisonment in connection with the civil rights investigation into the 2023 death of inmate Tony Mitchell.

He is expected to plead guilty in the coming weeks.

Woods is one of the six defendants in this case, who witnessed the deterioration of Mitchell’s physical and mental health while housed in the Walker County Jail.

Court records indicate Mitchell was denied basic care and slept naked on a cold cement floor. He was eventually transported by deputies to the hospital where he died. Mitchell was arrested for allegedly shooting deputies who were conducting a welfare check at his home.

Woods’ attorney, Matt Hart, noted the “terrible circumstances” surrounding the case and the bad facts surrounding Mitchell’s treatment in prison.

“My client, Mr. Woods, was the youngest member of that prison staff,” Hart explained. “He was only 21 years old. When this happened, he had only been employed for a few months and had no training. He regrets and deeply regrets that he did not do more to prevent what happened there.”

Court filings refer to a culture at the Walker County Jail that led some of the defendants to avoid informing outside authorities of Mitchell’s condition.

“My client was a young person with little life experience and not equipped to evaluate everything out there,” Hart added.

Yet, Joshua Jones pleaded guilty in this case. Karen KellyHeather Craig, Bailey Ganey and David Wyers were accused in this case as well.

Additional arrests are anticipated.

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