Two inmates charged with damaging jail property

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Two inmates are facing additional charges for their alleged roles in vandalizing a fire protection sprinkler in the Mississippi County Detention Center.

Anthony Matthews Jr., 19, of East Prairie, Mo., and T.J. Potts, 18, of New Madrid, Mo., both are charged with damage to jail property for allegedly breaking a sprinkler in the Mississippi County Detention Center in August, according to Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore.

On Aug. 20, corrections staff reported water damage. Once the water was drained from the system, Jail Administrator Cory Hutcheson noticed the sprinkler was bent, a sign that it had been struck by an object, he said.

A review of surveillance video showed Matthews and Potts taking turns striking the sprinkler with a broom handle until it broke, spilling several hundred gallons of water into the men's cell, according to Hutcheson. When interviewed, Potts said he had delivered the final blow to the sprinkler, Hutcheson said. Although on video, Matthews has denied any involvement in the offense, he said.

"County taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for intentional damage caused by inmates," Hutcheson said. "Inmates know if they tear something up, they're going to be prosecuted."

Pertinent address:

Charleston, Mo.