MOUNT VERNON — An inmate is accused of assaulting a corrections officer following a disturbance at the Knox County Jail on Aug. 31.
The officer sustained serious injuries to the head and face and was transported for medical treatment. The officer’s identity is not being released at this time.
According to a press release from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a disturbance involving inmate Hunter Clemons in the E dormitory at approximately 4:43 p.m.
Clemons was noncompliant and immediately became aggressive. He allegedly assaulted the corrections officer by placing him in a choke hold and striking him in the face with a closed fist.
The release states that assisting deputies subdued and secured Clemons.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident.
According to the release, the KCSO intends to pursue a charge of felonious assault on a peace officer (first-degree felony) against Clemons. The case will be presented to the Knox County Grand Jury on Sept. 8.
A grand jury indicted Clemons on June 16 for two counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle, both fourth-degree felonies.
He was indicted on Aug. 11 for retaliation against a peace officer, a third-degree felony.
Court documents state that Common Pleas Judge Richard Wetzel set a $150,000 cash bond with no 10% cash provision on the retaliation charge.
A plea of guilty hearing was scheduled for Sept. 18 on both charges.
The KCSO release states that Clemons has been transferred to Morrow County Jail pending his court appearance.
It also states that Sheriff Daniel J. Weckesser will seek the maximum allowable sentence in the Aug. 31 incident.
This remains an active investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
