A Marion County deputy remains hospitalized after enduring an injury Tuesday while supervising 30 inmate trustees on University of Florida property.
Marion County Sherrif's Office Deputy Mike Joyner was supervising Marion County Jail inmate trustees at UF's Plant Science Research and Education Unit when his hand got stuck in farm equipment, MCSO spokesman Officer Judge Cochran said.
Another deputy on duty supervised the inmates while emergency workers rushed Joyner to Shands at UF for treatment.
Marion County and UF have an agreement that allows inmate trustees to help with farm work and research on the UF-owned farm. In exchange for the inmate trustees' labor, the food produced on the farm is sent to Marion County Jail.
Cochran said this is a great deal for the jail because the cost of food is completely taken care of.
"Also the inmates get an opportunity to work off some of their time," he said. "It gives them a chance to be outside, get some fresh air into their system and do something that's in a more positive nature."
As of Thursday morning, the Joyner remained at Shands in "stable condition," Cochran said.
Emily Miller edited this story online.