Two state penitentiary inmates have been charged with assaulting a correctional officer early Thursday morning. Attorney general Marty Jackley announced the charges later the same day.
Inmates Lester Monroe, 48, and Kyle Jones, 30, have been charged for an assault on a correctional officer inside the Sioux Falls penitentiary.
The unnamed officer was allegedly assaulted in Unit D of the Jameson Annex. After receiving treatment at a local hospital, that officer has been released.
Monroe is serving time for simple assault on a law enforcement officer. Jones was convicted of first-degree manslaughter, eluding a police officer, and substance offenses. All those warrants were issued in Minnehaha County, and the pair are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced the charges of a count of attempted murder and aggravated assault against an officer for each defendant.
In a statement, Jackley called it a violent incident that was responded to quickly by corrections staff. The state division of criminal investigation is investigating the incident and Jackley’s office will oversee the prosecution.
Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko wrote “I applaud the swift actions of security staff to get control of this situation. The Governor has been fully briefed and engaged. The Warden and I wish the officer a full recovery."
Both Monroe and Jones will continue to be held at the State Pen.