Victim transferred to another jail; charges withheld until evidence goes to grand jury
The Escambia County Sheriff's Office is investigating the assault of an inmate in the Detention Center that has resulted is several suspects being placed in lockdown and the victim being treated and then transported to a different holding facility.
The victim was a member of a work program that is allowed to leave the jail under supervision to pick up trash along county rights-of-way. Sheriff Smith said the altercation between the victim and other inmates involved contraband being smuggled back into the jail.
“As long as you have people going in and out of the jail, there will be contraband,” Sheriff Smith said. “We have been cracking down on contraband entering the jail which has created a desperate need, especially for people addicted and in jail for drugs.”
Smith said the victim alleges he was assaulted by other inmates inside the detention center.
“This, and other investigations will be investigated and turned over to the grand jury,” Sheriff Smith said. “We've met with the district attorney and are following his instructions.”
“We take any investigation of assault seriously,” Sheriff Smith added. “An investigator has been assigned and we'll follow up like we always do.”
Sheriff Smith said no charges have been filed and that determination will be made after presenting the evidence to a grand jury. He said the suspects are in lockdown and will remain there until the investigation is complete.
Sheriff Smith said the victim received medical treatment at the county jail and was then transported to D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital for evaluation and additional treatment.
Sheriff Smith said he would not make any additional comments since it is an ongoing investigation.
“We have allegations about one inmate against another on a daily basis and we investigate all allegations,” he said.
