KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Four Jackson County jail inmates have been charged in an assault of a corrections officer.
Stephen A. Curtner, Rodney V. Rodgers, Osiris N. Sneed, and Tyrone E. Willard each face third-degree assault, a Class D felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison.
"I want this to be a message to all the other inmates in that facility," said Jackson County Sheriff Mike Sharp.
The four inmates charged for beating a Jackson County Detention Center guard on the fifth floor of the jail, a known problem area.
According to court records, on August 26, 2017, the inmates punched a corrections officer with closed fists and kicked him. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said the corrections officer suffered a series of bruises and a jammed finger.
The prosecutor's office provided video that shows part of the assault. Some may find the video disturbing.
Peters Baker said the assault went on for about 90 seconds before others were able to assist and break up the assault.
“I’ve watched that numerous times and it just really makes me angry to watch it because that individual is there protecting all of us, protecting other inmates, and deserves better than that,” Peters Baker said. "I see in his face what he knows is about to happen. He knows what's coming."
Willard also faces misdemeanor assault charges in connection with an assault on August 6, 2017, of a second corrections officer, according to the news release from the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office. In that incident, Willard is accused of punching a corrections officer when the officer came out of his cell for medication. The corrections officer suffered head and facial injuries, according to the news release.
Prosecutors have requested $75,000 bond for each inmate.
Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. released the following statement after the charges were announced.
“It is my top priority to ensure that Jackson County operates a safe and secure facility. We are committed to supporting our corrections officers by working to provide fair compensation, appropriate training and a clean and functional facility. Holding inmates accountable for their actions when these incidents occur is essential to maintaining a safe and secure facility.”
“I am confident that the serious nature of these charges will send a strong message that inmates who choose to engage in such dangerous and violent behavior will be held responsible for their actions. I fully support efforts to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. I appreciate Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker and Sheriff Mike Sharp for their work on this investigation.”
Watch the full news conference below:
