Inmates face more charges after assault inside jail

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Two New Madrid County inmates face additional charges in connection with an attack on a fellow inmate.

Rasheik A. Harris and Daniel M. Hamilton are charged with assault and armed criminal action in connection with the June 21 attack on Larry Lyons.

When he arrived at the jail, New Madrid County deputy Kenneth Dalton saw several red welts and bumps on Lyons' body and head, according to a probable-cause statement. Lyons reportedly told the deputy he was attacked after coming out of the shower. Lyons said he "was hit with a broom handle across the back, right ribs and back of the head, causing him severe pain and swelling," according to the statement.

Harris and Hamilton were arraigned last week before Associate Circuit Judge Joshua Underwood. Bond for both men is set at $25,000.

Harris was at the New Madrid County Jail after being charged with delivery or possession of a controlled substance at a county/private jail along with charges of driving while revoked/ suspended, driving while intoxicated and other traffic charges, according to online court records. Hamilton was being held for probation violations in connection with driving while intoxicated.

Sheriff Terry Stevens said officers responded to the attack when they heard a commotion in the jail. He said he is not aware of what prompted the attack.

It was not the first attack at the jail. In 2012, inmate John Wayne Reynolds was assaulted and died from injuries he sustained from other inmates.

New Madrid County Clerk Clement Cravens said the county is installing $30,000 worth of new security cameras in the jail to monitor cell areas.

Also last week, the County Commission opened bids for new electronic jail cell doors. The low bid of $65,195.60 was accepted from Southern Folger Detention Equipment of San Antonio.

The final improvement for the jail planned this year includes a new roof. Cravens said the flat roof leaks, and the commission is working with engineers to determine whether a pitched roof would be possible.