An attack on a corrections officer in August drove Lowndes County Adult Detention Center to change its protocols for escorting inmates through the jail.
Thomas Richardson, 39, of Columbus, was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer Aug. 28, Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said. Richardson had returned to the jail from circuit court, where he had just been sentenced on charges of petit larceny, possession of marijuana and trespassing, when he blindsided the officer escorting him.
The officer was treated for minor injuries at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, Hawkins said.
Before the incident, two officers escorted violent offenders to and from their cells, while non-violent offenders required only one escort,
Hawkins said. Now, all inmates require two officers for escort.
The attack was not made public until Friday, when Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Trip Hairston mentioned it in an interview with The Dispatch.
“We are investigating this case,” Hawkins said. “It’s all on video because of our surveillance cameras everywhere. … The evidence will be presented to a grand jury, and we are seeking an indictment.”
Upon conviction, aggravated assault on an officer is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Richardson’s bond for the assault charge is set at $100,000.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 39 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 39 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
