Bradley County CourthouseA chained and shackled prisoner was left overnight in a courthouse holding cell with no access to food, water or a bathroom, the Bradley County Sheriff's Office confirms.
The prisoner, Nathaniel Caldwell, was placed in the holding cell behind the courtroom about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday for transport to the Bradley County Jail but apparently was forgotten.
Interim Chief Deputy W. G. "Buck" Campbell said an internal investigation began this morning after the man was discovered when court opened.
He declined to provide any details until the investigation is complete, which he said likely will be next week.
Caldwell was unharmed after his 18-hour stay, said Rich Keinlen, misdemeanor probation officer for Bradley County.
Caldwell has a court date Thursday morning on a charge of violating probation.
See Thursday's Times Free Press for complete details.