United States Attorney’s Office Announces Sentence In Prison Assault Case

TERRE HAUTE – Josh Minkler, the Acting United States Attorney, announced the sentencing of an inmate at the Terre Haute Federal Correctional Complex who was found guilty of assaulting an employee of the facility. James Jackson, 32 was sentenced to 30 months (2 ½ years) by U. S. District Judge William T. Lawrence.

“Protecting the employees of the Bureau of Prisons is a responsibility we take very seriously,” said Minkler. “Maintaining order in the prison system is a dangerous job and we will do all we can to assist in that effort.”

Testimony at the plea hearing indicated Jackson is an inmate at the Correctional Complex serving a 76 month sentence for firearm and drug charges from the District of Columbia. On November 10, 2013, the victim, a registered nurse was dispensing medication to inmates housed in the Special Housing Unit (SHU). A correctional officer opened the food slot of Jackson’s cell so the victim could pass medication to Jackson’s cell mate. As the door was opened, Jackson threw a mixture of urine and feces which struck the victim in the face and her upper body.

The victim was examined by a doctor after she became ill a few days later. She had to undergo months of testing for infectious diseases. She did not develop any further complications from the incident.

According to James M. Warden who prosecuted the case for the government, Jackson’s sentence is as high as the U.S. sentencing guidelines allow and he will serve the 30 months consecutive to all other time.