Former Denver jail inmate Jamal Hunter has big plans for the $3.25 million offered by the city in his jail abuse case, says the Denver Post. Hunter said he wants to build a house for his ex-wife and two of his kids, take care of his four children, buy a beauty salon and barber shop, market his own line of hair extensions and weaves for women, and donate wigs to cancer patients. He said he does not feel bitter. “I think this is a positive life-changing situation not only for me but the whole community,” he said. “I’m happy to be the one with this responsibility.”
Revelations in his case led to Sheriff Gary Wilson’s resignation this week and an investigation by independent monitor Nick Mitchell revealing scores of inmate grievances that hadn’t been properly investigated. A federal judge overseeing Hunter’s case urged federal authorities to investigate the practices of the police and sheriff’s departments. U.S. District Judge John Kane has not said whether he will approve the settlement. He also might pursue contempt-of-court charges against city officials. In 2011, Hunter, 40, said he was the only person with a misdemeanor charge placed in a jail pod with more than 60 felons, including gang members. Inmates beat him for supposedly being a snitch and intended to murder him, he says.