Three Jefferson County Jail officers plead not guilty

Three Jefferson County corrections officers, accused of playing a role in the death of a jail inmate nearly a year ago, entered not guilty pleas Thursday to criminally negligent homicide charges during their arraignment before a packed courtroom.

Corrections Corporal Anthony Hansen, 33, and deputies Christopher Durkan, 53, and Cory Lucinda Skidgel, 42, were in court to give their pleas.

The three officers are accused of being involved in the death of James Wippel, 59, of Portland, who died at the jail last April.

Wippel had been arrested by Warm Springs police on charges of heroin possession and methamphetamine delivery and possession.

Sheriff Jim Adkins said last year that Wippel had died of a “serious medical issue” last April 26, as paramedics administered CPR. It was reported to be the first inmate death at the jail.

The case was investigated by the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office. Adkins said the three officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the completion of an internal investigation and/or prosecution.

Circuit Judge Gary Williams on Thursday allowed the three to remain free on their own recognizance, as the prosecutors said they don’t believe them to be flight risks.

They also were directed to undergo booking and fingerprinting at the county jail Thursday evening.

The next court date in the case is set as an early resolution conference on June 19.