A former Hillsdale County Sheriff’s sergeant will never serve in Michigan law enforcement again after pleading guilty to misconduct in office and assaulting a jail inmate.

Ronald Leggitt was sentenced to two years’ probation and a week in jail for repeatedly pepper spraying a restrained woman in 2021. Attorney General Dana Nessel says the conviction ensures he won’t have authority over others again.

State police alerted the sheriff’s office after troopers witnessed the excessive force. Leggitt was placed in leave and later dismissed. He’s also facing a civil lawsuit over the incident.

The case was prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office, which says holding officers accountable remains a priority.