JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The special prosecutor in the case of an Iowa man who drowned while handcuffed on the Lake of the Ozarks earlier this year has indicated there will be no criminal charges pursued against the trooper who had the man in his custody.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed on Monday that Prosecutor Amanda Grellner would not pursue charges against Trooper Anthony Piercy in the death Brandon Ellingson.
In a statement, the MSHP said the agency will continue to review all procedures related to this incident.
“This was a tragic event and many lives, including the family, officers, and witnesses, have been dramatically affected and changed forever,” Colonel Ronald Replogle, Superintendent of the MSHP said. “I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the Ellingson family for the tragedy they have endured with the loss of their son.”
The Ellingson family’s attorney Matt Boles has confirmed the family does intend to pursue civil charges in relation to the incident.
