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HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the estate of a former inmate against Hamilton County and its former sheriff.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. ruled in favor of Hamilton County and former Sheriff Jim Hammond, granting their motion for summary judgment.

The court dismissed the case with prejudice, ending the legal dispute.

The lawsuit, filed in August 2023 by Amy Burt, on behalf of Timothy Burt, alleged constitutional violations.

Burt’s estate claimed the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) failed to train staff properly and ignored the inmate’s medical needs, resulting in his death.

Judge Atchley determined the HCSO’s policies complied with Tennessee state law.

He also found no e

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