Kathleen Feiler, a 57-year-old resident of Pittman Drive in Palm Coast, died in custody after being booked at the Flagler County jail Saturday evening on a contempt of court charge. The contempt charge aside, she had not been booked on the suspicion of a crime but because she was suspected of not following through on substance abuse treatment.
Feiler’s only criminal conviction in Flagler County goes back to a guilty verdict for a first-degree misdemeanor drunk driving charge in 2012, and a second degree misdemeanor charge for leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. She served 12 months’ probation.
Feiler was booked at the jail at 8:12 p.m., according to jail records. A sheriff’s office news release issued Sunday afternoon states that she “suffered an apparent seizure early Sunday” morning while in custody. “Paramedics were called and transported her to Florida Hospital Flagler where she was later pronounced deceased,” the release states. A source at the hospital, however, told FlaglerLive that Feiler arrived there in full cardiac arrest. Where and when a patient is pronounced dead does not necessarily correspond to the location and actual time of death.
As is normal procedure under Flagler County Sheriff’s Office policy, the release states, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the death. The Sheriff’s Office does not conduct its own inquiry. The incident report on Feiler’s death has been requested from the sheriff’s office. It was not available Sunday.
Feiler, the release explains, was arrested Saturday at 7:45 p.m. on a show-cause order signed by Circuit Judge Matthew Foxman, requiring Feiler to be held in jail so a court hearing could be scheduled. (See the arrest report here.) The issue arose because Feiler “is in need of substance abuse treatment and will not seek such treatment on her own volition,” according to the order signed on March 9. The arrest order was issued, the sheriff’s release states, so a hearing could be scheduled to determine whether Feiler was in “indirect” contempt of court of an order signed Feb. 3, 2016. That order required her to meet certain conditions of outpatient care for “drug-seeking behavior.”
But she had not been charged with a crime. Feiler was committed under the state Baker Act on March 6, 2016, which gives law enforcement authority to detail an individual against his or her own will if that individual is a direct threat to himself or herself, or to others. Feiler was prescribed medication used to treat anxiety on March 4, and “has been found abusing them on multiple occasions,” Foxman’s order states.
Saturday night, jail staff reported to Sr. Commander Sam Ferris that Feiler showed no signs of being intoxicated or otherwise medically altered when she arrived at the jail, the sheriff’s release states. If she had been observed in such a state, she would have been transported to Florida Hospital Flagler first to be medically cleared before being booked into the jail, under sheriff’s office policy, Ferris said. Deputies at the jail routinely send individuals to the hospital for such clearance on even minor suspicions that health issues may be in play–either when deputies themselves determine that such a clearance is necessary, or if an individual being booked at the jail complains of medical issues and requests to be sent to the hospital. Jail staff is vigilant about such clearances to ensure individuals’ welfare, of course, but just as intently to steer clear of liability issues should serious health problems arise, as the jail is not equipped to handle such issues.
According to jail records, the sheriff’s release goes on, jail deputies in cellblock D noticed Feiler making loud noises at 1:28 a.m. She appeared to be having a seizure and was unresponsive. Jail staff called for a Code White, which signals a medical emergency. Staff members rolled her onto her right side to keep her from choking. Flagler County Fire Rescue paramedics were summoned. and transported her to the hospital.
The release does not indicate when paramedics arrived at the jail, when they left with Feiler, or when she arrived at the hospital, only that “she was pronounced dead at the hospital at 3:37 a.m., (roughly an hour after the medical emergency was observed, taking into account the time change due to daylight saving time.)” (The parenthetical statement was in the release.) Notes from the sheriff’s dispatch center–911–are also sketchy, showing only that dispatch got word of a “female seizing” at 1:35 a.m., and was referred to as having difficulties breathing 41 seconds later and “no responsive” (sic.) four seconds after that. Such notes generally show the sequence of when paramedics are paged and when they arrive at a scene, but not in this case. After the “no responsive” note, the notes jump two hours and and three minutes to notify that Feiler had died “after a seizure at the inmate facility.”
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, Detention Commander Louis Miceli said. The FDLE investigation will be ongoing and toxicology tests will take two to three months tocomplete. On Sunday, FDLE agents, who arrived at the jail at 6:07 a.m. this morning, were interviewing jail staff and some female inmate witnesses as part of their investigation, Ferris said. Body camera video taken by deputies from her arrest will be turned over to FDLE agents.
Linda Sparda says
This woman was prescribed klonopin and if you are cut off cold turkey you wull definitely sieze.
nancy cooper says
I knew and she was very sick lady and I blame the jail for not getting her treatment faster. Sick to my stomach.
Linda Sparda says
I blame the jail personel as they are not medical personnel. They knew she was abusing anxiety meds and did not medically clear her first. Do they realize gow dangerous it to be cut off cold turkey. I had a seizure years ago and was hospitalized because of this anxiety med. Being cut off by a doctor cold turkey.
Judi says
Disgraceful actions by those who pledge to “serve & protect” including but not limited to medical personnel. This poor woman had a Disease….
Anonymous says
Yes it is a sad ending and yes the Sheriff’s office should of treated this differently but this lady should of followed the court orders! She was on her way of killing herself! Sorry if I sound cold and callous but this woman life was in danger before this arrest!
Regino Colon says
I was arrested on 8/29/2011 and when i arrived at the county jail i explained to them that i needed my meds the CO asked me what type of medication i was on i told him Xanax he then made the statement you aint getting shit. I was released tthe next day and i suffered a grand Mal seizure at the Walgreens in Ormond and was transported to Florida Hospital Ormond the ER report stated that i suffered the seizure due to withdraw of the medication. I spent 3 days in the ICU where I suffered another grand Mal seizure. I spend a total of 8 days at the hospital it was all do to the simple fact i was denied my medication based on a jail guard with no type of medical training. This poor women died to the incompetence of the Flagler County jails staff thier incompetence lead to her death they need to be held accountable.
Geezer says
FDLE is investigating. That’s as comforting as a wet jacket on a sub-zero
degree-day with ice in my pockets, along with a tractor trailer tailgating me
downhill on an icy road..
RIP, Kathleen Feiler. My sympathies to all who knew her.
How truly sad.
Regino Colon says
She was not on her way of killing herself it was due to the fact she didn’t receive the medical attention needed in a timely matter.
Billy Bob Boo says
I understand people’s complaints about this woman’s health but she was an adult that was made completely aware of the adverse reactions of the benzo she was prescribed. Maybe if we chose to better ourselves through the use of diet and exercise then we wouldn’t need tranquilizers to calm down and feel normal. When are people going to stop shifting blame in this world? Blaming the police officers but not the one responsible is very typical of our society these days. Taking responsibility for your actions needs to be high on the priority list of every adult, not hiding behind the blame game like so many do these days. She was an addict, she was an adult, she knew better, that is all. It’s difficult to say, but this country needs a little more tough love and less liberal crying about whom is the guilty culprit. The fact is that benzo’s are the most over prescribed medications out there, the doctors know it, so do the big drug companies, but you’ll never see blame placed on any of those parties.
Dan says
Drugs are bad…
Old Sarge says
Are you guys taking crazy pills?? Stopping ANY kind of meds for a few hours does not qualify as quitting cold turkey, nor can it POSSIBLY cause withdrawals or seizures…ridiculous
Anonymous says
Cold and callous for sure to annonymous. She is a DRUG ADDICT. Someone who is unable to tel the difference from right or wrong due to her addiction. To excuse her death due to her addiction is just as sick and this poor women was fighting her disease. People who have no sympathy for something they have no IDEA about disgusts me!!!
anonymous says
This woman s family needs an attorney asap. This is absolutely wrong and disgusting. And there is a constant problem with the dispatcher at that dept. But, complain? For what? Nothing changes. Corrupt.
Me says
The Flagler county jail guards/medics won’t do anything for inmates until they are dead. There isn’t even medical staff on site at the jail 24 hours a day. What a joke. I’ve witnessed many inmates with serious health issues be told there’s nothing that can be done and be refused a trip to the hospital despite serious injuries/conditions. Several occasions I’ve personal led witnessed this in the flagler county inmate facility
I/M/O says
Linda Sparda…cholazapam was created as a replacement for Valium.
Valium is a half life type of drug. The body only metabolizes half the drug one takes before the next dose is taken. Thus if you take 5mg of Valium your body will metabolize 2.5 mg. You take another dose toy now have 7.5 mg of Valium in your system and so on so forth. So medical supervision of someone who is stopping taking Valium is highly recommended. Drink alcohol after taking Valium you increase it strength ten fold. 5 mg of Valium and a few drinks you have 50 mg of Valium in your system.
Cholazapam (klonopin) does not have that half life quality. It does not build up in one’s system. So the possibility of a seizure caused by withdrawal is very unlikely. Of course you can overdose on Cholazapam.
What will cause a seizure is withdrawal from alcohol, commonly called an Alcoholic Convulsion. The best immediate treatment for an Alcohol Convulsion if the person is not under medical care is to give the person some alcohol. Alcohol detoxification takes a full 5 days. Should always be done under medical supervision. For the first and maybe second day you give your client a dose of Librium.
The DT’s do kill alcoholics. Horrible way to die.
I/M/O says
If you are raising young adults show them this story. Then sit down and explain just how dangerous drinking alcohol is.
Educate yourself as a parent. Explain that alcohol is nothing more than an anesthetic. Explain that alcohol is the only substance that can penetrate the screening that protects the brain. (Wet Brain) Explain that every time you get intoxicated you kill 10,000 brain cells. Explain what cirrhosis of the liver is. Explain that alcohol can cause an esophageal hemorrhage which will kill a person immediately. Explain what alcohol gastritis is and how painful it is. Explain that drinking alcohol increase one’s risk of throat cancer ten fold.
Educate! Educate! Educate!
Anonymous says
Get the check book out.
Dean Carpenter says
Gotta call bs on you Anonymous. If the article is correct she was arrested but committed no crime which is a violation of our US Constitution. You say she was abusing prescribed drugs but she was neither charged or convicted of this or any other crime.
While the Baker Act is well meaning and in a practical sense necessary there is no logic to incarcerate someone because they require medical attention unless treatment for the condition begins immediately because as this case reveals it actually increases the risk to the individual. Also the law is not applied equally. Why was this women detained without a writ while alcoholics, heroin addicts and other drug abusers are regularly ignored under the Baker Act.?
Shameful Actions says
Local, State and Federal law MOST keep their noses out of Americans private medical cabinet.
STAY OUT
I hope her family sues every damn one of those idiots !!!
maryann says
Let’s not put any responsibility on the individual for drunk driving and abusing medications which clearly has an affect on ones body. Let’s always go and blame law enforcement. This women may not be a hardened criminal but she was abusing medications and not just on that day – a long history of it. Had the officers let her go because “she had a problem” you’d all complain about that also. Damned if you do…damned if you don’t. FlaglerLive readers love the blame game and hate Palm Coast. She was a medication abuser and I see it all the time. There’s no right way to respond, no text book answer.
Harrison H. McDonald says
One of the above comments was made by “Regino Colon ” In reply I would just say don’t abuse drugs and obey the law and all will be OK. I’ve lived 77 years thus far and never been jailed or abused drugs—It’s not that difficult. PS If you are stopped for a traffic infraction, be polite and address the policeman as “Officer.”
KB63 says
She should never have been taken to jail. When trying to get help in this County there is a 3 month wait for a bed unless you have $50,000 to spend on private treatment. To tell someone to go home & follow the Court Order with no help shows complete ignorance to a major problem. Yet we just built a nice new jail! spending millions!! Anyone who thinks this was this lady’s fault has never dealt with a friend or family member lost in this pathetic system. I hope this is a huge wake call to Flagler County. My sympathies to her family and friends.
Linda Sparda says
I agree kb63.
happeningnow says
So very sad for her and family. Someone cared about her or the paper work would not have been done. She was too damaged to understand the help provided , and could have been a ward of the state. That process takes time also, with countless interviews with docs, and etc. The drug population is escalating everywhere and we need another response to insure safety, . It’s tied up with no one can do anything against their will, even if their life is at stake. Its a catch22 alright.
Geezer says
So this lady gets arrested for a contempt of court charge and dies while in custody.
Meanwhile I notice how much leeway the drunken bikers get during Bike Week.
It’s sanctioned lawlessness by openly allowing DRINKING and driving.
Do you really think that all those bikers at the roadside bars aren’t impaired?
Hey that’s OK, they bring in local revenue. Leave them alone, but help them back onto
their bikes when they can’t stand. I saw that actually happen on US1, in Ormond.
Too bad that Kathleen Feiler, wasn’t bringing in revenue with her addiction problem.
She’d still be alive.
I too suffer from Contempt of Court, and nothing but, in this case.
You don't know what you are talking about. says
A whole lot of inaccurate commenters on this article. I/M/O, for example, claims that klonopin doesn’t build up like valium. Wrong. It’s way, way worse than valium because it has a half life of 30-40 hours. Klonopin is a benzo, like valium or Xanax, and like them it works on the GABA chemistry in the brain. People that take regular doses of benzo-class drugs can very easily get unknowingly hooked on them, and the withdrawal from them is like the withdrawal that a chronic alcoholic experiences, but worse, as evidenced by the fact that this woman died while in custody. With a 30-40 hour half-life, you can take this drug once every day and feel fine, with no symptoms of withdrawal, and then have a grand mal and die because you felt ok and decided you didn’t need it for a few days. These are bad, bad, bad drugs and are often prescribed by idiot doctors with no idea of their possible side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
Layla says
It seems to me that people who are Baker Acted don’t belong in jail, they belong in a hospital first and foremost. She was a substance abuser, not a criminal. This is tragic. In my opinion, this woman died a tragic death at the hands of a system which badly needs to be replaced.
Anonymous says
If she was a serious alcoholic, she could have had a tolerance to alcohol that was high enough to enable her to consume more than the non-addict could without showing signs or passing out. I have seen alcoholics drink until they had a BAC of .40 and above which is enough to cause death from alcohol poisoning in most people…and they are still on their feet. Unfortunately, if they try to stop drinking cold turkey, it is not uncommon for them to seize. And that is a best case scenario, where other serious health issues, like heart disease, kidney or liver disease has not yet taken place. If this woman was Baker acted and an evaluation was performed with only her telling her history and no BAC at the time indicating that level of concern, she may have been released with instructions for an outpatient Detox when she needed an inpatient one. It would have been even worse if she was dual-addicted, with a co-existing mental health disorder and/or poly drug abuse/dependence. In other words, it’s complicated and it sounds like she didn’t get the full evaluation she needed at several critical points. But, then again, even when people do, some addicts are still going to die. Not everybody “hits bottom” and lives another day. My condolences to this woman’s loved ones. I hope they will consider Al-Anon or Nar-Anon if they need support for themselves in this difficult time.
anonymous says
L/m/o clonazepam has a half life of 8 hours. It was not replaced in lieu of valium. Get your facts.
anonymous says
Because of the serous ness of this i myself notified fdle agent. I am former law enforcement and navy. I have many concerns about how this entire process went. This woman should have been taking to hospital and not jail. This place is a little overboard. Why dont they go after the roxie dealers and druggies???
Harrison H. McDonald says
The real question to ask in these situations: 1 Is society improved? 2 made worse? or 3 neither? by this event. some will be logical,, others emotional. I live my life in a logical rational way and the answer is easy to choose— 1
Nancy N says
The lack of human empathy by some of the commenters on this story is sickening. This woman had a problem that killed her because of lack of medical care for it. Someone should be held accountable for that. The sneering comments inferring she basically deserved it because she wasn’t “good” enough or “should have known better” to stay away from addictive substances are not a reflection on her. They are a reflection on the poor character of the people making the statements. People don’t become less than human when they make poor decisions. It is you who become less than human for treating them as lesser.
Shakingmyhead says
Why is it no one address all the doctors that were involved prior to any arrest….
YankeeExPat says
In Reply to Nancy N says:
Your comment is probably the one of the best I have read in a long time. Compassion for others is lacking in mindset of Arrogant Selfish people.
Fred smith says
Question should be why has the county decided to build a 15 million dollar jail but has never had a full time medical staff in their buildings? Officers are not capable of making medical decisions.
David B says
There’s a big difference between being ordered by the Courts to be in a Drug Treatment Program then an individual going into Drug Rehab Program ordered by a medical doctor. Better treatment and evaluation. Our criminal system does not specialize in medical treatment.
I/M/O says
YouDon’tKnowWhatYouAreTalkingAbout….
Pharmacokinetics
Clonazepam is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration. The absolute bioavailability of clonazepam is about 90%. Maximum plasma concentrations of clonazepam are reached within 1 to 4 hours after oral administration. Clonazepam is approximately 85% bound to plasma proteins. Clonazepam is highly metabolized, with less than 2% unchanged clonazepam being excreted in the urine. Biotransformation occurs mainly by reduction of the 7-nitro group to the 4-amino derivative. This derivative can be acetylated, hydroxylated and glucuroni dated. Cytochrome P-450 including CYP3A, may play an important role in clonazepam reduction and oxidation. The elimination half-life of clonazepam is typically 30 to 40 hours. Clonazepam pharmacokinetics are dose-independent throughout the dosing range.
I/M/O says
Nancy N…if you identify those who poured the alcohol down this alcoholic’s throat notify the Police.
The only person to be held accountable for abusing drugs and that includes alcohol is the person abusing them.
Anonymous says
It truly is a tragedy that another was lost to the horrible disease of addiction. A disease that does not discriminate, and a disease that not only destroys the individual but also wreaks havoc on the lives of those around them. It’s a disease that is difficult, if not impossible, to explain to those who have not experienced it’s insanity. And it’s a disease that you would not wish anyone to have to experience from either side of it.
It’s also not fair to use this tragedy and loss to try and portray our law enforcement or our legal system as the problem. They were doing their job. And in many cases it is those same individuals who keep the addict from hurting themselves and others. It is often times those encounters with the law that are the wake up call some need to start down the path to help.
This is not a story where we should read and point fingers at someone to blame. It’s a story that every reader should walk away from wondering what we could do as a community to work together towards solutions. Solutions that seek prevention through education. Solutions that provide access to help for those that want and need it. Solutions that friends and family can seek help without feeling ashamed to do so. Addiction is a problem and it’s a problem pulverizing individuals, families, and communities. And the problem will not get better by simply blaming and walking away.
The puckered mouth of Donald Trump says
Harrison, I agree. I think that leeches on society are a major issue, just like people on social programs that refuse to work. I say get all of the deadbeats off welfare and social security and put them to work, there’s no good reason why a true American shouldn’t put forth an honest day’s work. That’s the reason all those Mexicans come here and take our jobs, get rid of social security and Medicare/Medicaid and give those true Americans the joins they need!
TRUMP 2016
Sherry says
Nancy and Anonymous you are both right on. How very tragic that our state has plenty of $$$$$$$$$$$ to build new jails, but so very little to spend on critically needed TREATMENT for mental health and drug abuse!
Meanwhile, so many in our “holier than thou” community have the heartless audacity to “blame the victims” by labeling those in need of treatment as somehow less worthy of a good life, or even a lower life form. There but for the grace of a higher power or circumstance go each one of us to that brink of despair.
On this election day. . .it would be pretty interesting to know which of those commenting voted for which candidate. I’m thinking i could guess fairly accurately. What a very worrying and sad place for our community and our country.
Woody says
Let’s blame everybody but her.I am sueing somebody they didn’t wipe my ass correctly.Whaaa
Sherry says
Like I said. . . our culture is divided. Those who are fearful, angry, bigoted and heartless on one side, and those who are compassionate. open minded, educated and positive on the other. I’ll stay strong in the belief of what is “good” about our citizens, and stick with the caring, positive ones. Yeah, I may be a woman but there is absolutely no weakness or crying here. . . like there is with so many “macho” men.
Nancy N says
Wow, “puckered mouth”…you really need to stop listening to right wing propaganda and educate yourself with some facts because you really are making yourself – and by extension your espoused candidate – sound pretty ridiculous.
Fact: The vast majority of people on welfare ARE employed, but still make low enough wages to qualify for food stamps and other benefits. In fact, most states have rules requiring recipients to be working or looking for work. You probably also don’t realize that benefits are capped at a lifetime limit time-wise (I think it’s something like three years). The myth of people spending their whole lives living it up, kicking back and just collecting government benefits is just that…a myth.
The largest “recipient” of welfare in this country is Walmart, whose minimum wage workers, even at full-time hours, still earn so little they qualify for benefits. Your tax dollars are subsidizing the Walmart empire, while they ship in cheap crap from China. Want to be outraged? Start there.
I wasn’t aware that there was a lot of deadbeats on Social Security. Are there a lot of 85 year old grannies living it up on their poverty level social security checks that you think should be out working as teachers and nurses instead? Seriously, what the heck is your issue with helping elderly and disabled people? Are you a sociopath or something? Have you NO human empathy?
I also wasn’t aware that a person’s citizenship status or patriotism was tied to their ability to work. I guess I should have told my late stepfather, who was a military veteran and is buried in Arlington Cemetery, that he was no longer allowed to vote and was a no longer a worthy American when he became disabled and was no longer able to work. Darn, he’s gone now and I missed my chance.
You don’t get to decide who is of value, who is a “true” American and who isn’t. ALL people are entitled to dignity, respect, and basic rights.
Now, how about instead of complaining about your neighbors’ yards, you go tend your own…because I’m fairly sure it’s got some weeds of its own growing in it.
Sherry says
Thanks Nancy. . . I echo your thoughts completely! The fear, hate and bigotry, spat out like so much poison, absolutely displays the rotting souls within. . . just like their candidate!
Anonymous says
First off this lady was arrested for a misdemeanor when in all actuality she needed treatment. Treatment for substance abuse is not Flagler county jail . I first hand have witnessed hundreds of people being locked up for substance abuse and not getting the appropriate treatment . This is a epidemic people . Our system can keep ignoring the issue until something so tragic happens like this . Using our county jail as treatment center is not the answer . They made sure to increase the size of the county jail when in all actuality they should of built a treatment center to help our loved ones become productive members of society again . If u look at the arrest logs almost 90% is do to substance abuse in one form or another . Bottom line is once they took that women into custody they were responsible for her no matter what they were responsible for her care . Flagler county jail is not equipped to treat these inmates not the staff nor any medical care . They look at it as just another drug addict or alcoholic not obeying the laws . It’s just so sickening that something so devasting had to happen to mske major changes in our system n our laws . When this investigation to all Said n gone hopefully changes will take place .
Angie says
Would love to share experiences with family on the way they handle seizures and how they treat addicts and withdraw. If anyone knows how to contact anybody involved would love to share information. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Kathleen. Completely tragic and avoidable. Terrible!
Nancy Emery says
Anonymous, I agree with absolutely everything you said.
South Florida says
This entire place is disgraceful. I was in pain and took benadryl to sleep. The next thing i know is police in my house put me in hand cuffs. Wouldn’t let me use my own bathroom. I was fallingdown. I was put in car. They told me i was baker acted. I was brought to Floridahospital flagler. I had to talk to a shrink.
He lifted the baker act. The hospital had me leave and i couldn’t walk. Thats messed up.