James Logan was due back in the county jail following a sentencing hearing on cocaine dealing and possession charges at the Marion Superior Court.

"He completely forgot," said Julio Fernandez, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department.

"He just forgot that the guy was in there."

Deputy Tucker Parker's bout of amnesia resulted in Logain being locked in a cell alone for two days without food.

"I don’t think nobody should be treated like that," said Logan to reporters at Marion County Jail.

"People, when you put them in ‘the hole,’ you still get two meals a day."

As well as firing Deputy Parker, the sherriff's department suspended Deputy Richard Edgemon for two days.

Supervising Lieutenant James Wampler was suspended for 10 days, demoted to sergeant, and transferred away from court security duties.

"Mr Parker was really responsible to come back and move this prisoner," said Fernandez.

"The other gentlemen left shift without checking with him and that's where the suspension came about."

Logan had running water in the call and endured the ordeal without encountering medical problems.

But Kenneth Falk, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, raised concerns that the outcome could have easily been much worse.

"This could have been a diabetic who could have been in a coma," he said.

"Obviously, this is a problem that should be looked into immediately."

The sheriff's department have vowed to improve procedures and prevent a reoccurance.

"It shouldn’t happen," said Kerry Forestal, the sheriff’s chief deputy.

"Serious steps have to be taken so there’s no doubt that a mistake like this will cost you your job."