Case Dismissed Against Keeton, Lay, and Jones
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Case Dismissed Against Keeton, Lay, and Jones
By Shane Gilreath
SCN Contributing Editor
[email protected]
A civil rights lawsuit recently reported by SCN filed against Scott County and seeking $2.5 Million has seen several of its claims dismissed, according to recently filed court documents. The petitioner, Johnathan Stevens, voluntarily dismissed all claims against Amy Lay, Tony Jones, and Sheriff Brian Keeton.
The lawsuit, which alleges Stevens’ constitutional rights were violated and that the county failed to adequately train employees, was filed under federal civil rights statute 42 U.S.C. §1983, which allows individuals to seek damages when they believe such violations have been enacted by government officials who act under color of law. In the case, those rights, according to Stevens, were violated through several actions, including unlawful detention, false arrest, and use of excessive force. Filings go as far as to suggest that arresting officer, Deputy Tony Jones, told the plaintiff “I really don’t believe you did this (the alleged assault), but I have to arrest you.”
The personal dismissals were entered without prejudice, a legal designation meaning Stevens retains the option to refile those claims at a later date if he so chooses. While the claims against those individuals have been withdrawn, SCN can report that portions of the lawsuit remain pending.
In a statement to Facebook, Lay addressed the development and the reaction surrounding the case. “There’s been a lot of judgment and speculation surrounding the recent lawsuit, so I want to address it directly,” she said. “The portions of the lawsuit that named both the Sheriff and Tony Jones, as well as myself, have been voluntarily dismissed, not even a week after we were served. Let that sink in.”
Lay emphasized that the dismissed allegations never advanced to formal legal proceedings. “None of these dismissed allegations were ever presented before a court. None of us had any meetings, depositions, or discussions with attorneys regarding them,” she said, adding that notice of the dismissal came shortly after service.
She also pushed back on suggestions that the matter had been summarily “brushed under the rug,” noting that the claims were withdrawn before any hearings or proceedings could take place. SCN can confirm that the original charges against Stevens were dismissed by Judge Scarlett Ellis on March 12, 2025. The judge cited lack of PC and issues with witness credibility as cause.
Lay further characterized the timing and nature of the filing as deliberate, particularly given the upcoming primary elections, wherein Keeton is a candidate for re-election.
The remaining aspects of the case are still active and will continue to move through the courts. SCN will continue to report on the case.
