Clark County to Pay $400,000 to Settle Lawsuit by Former Jail Inmate

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Clark County has agreed to pay $400,000 to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by a former jail inmate, O'Neal Payne III, who alleged deputies used excessive force when they attached a tether to his handcuffs and dragged him across a cell floor in 2021. The county and its employees admitted no liability or wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about use of force and treatment of inmates in county jails, as well as potential issues with training and oversight of corrections officers. The settlement amount suggests the county likely wanted to avoid a potentially larger judgment against it in court.

The details

Payne, a 36-year-old Black man, filed the lawsuit in January 2025 alleging excessive force, negligence, failure to train, and failure to provide adequate medical care arising from an August 2021 incident at the Clark County Jail. Payne was in custody awaiting trial on charges of commercial sex abuse of a minor. In December 2021, he was found guilty of the charges and later sentenced to nearly three years in prison.

• The incident occurred on August 13, 2021 at the Clark County Jail.
• Payne filed the federal civil rights lawsuit in January 2025.
• The lawsuit was settled on January 21, 2026.

What’s next

The settlement dismisses the case with prejudice, meaning the lawsuit cannot be refiled.