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By SUSAN SHARP
JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- Five Campbell County inmates have been indicted after a failed attempt to cause an uprising in the jail.
On May 2, staff at the Campbell County Jail received information that “multiple individuals†were going to engage in a fight, according to Campbell County Sheriff Wayne Barton.
Once the staff learned of the possible riot the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT) was “put on notice,†he said. As the staff observed the situation and agitation among the inmates escalated the decision was made to use a “distraction device,†Barton said referring to a flashbang that was deployed. A flash-bang is a non-lethal explosive device that produces an extremely loud bang and bright lights to disorient people as it goes off.
“Within minutes the situation was resolved,†he said.
However, two inmates continued to be disruptive.
Michael Charles Russell refused a “lawful order†from the CERT team. This resulted in an indictment for rioting, according to court records.
Johnathan Taylor Baker was indicted for inciting a riot, court records said.
“He (Baker) continued to try and get them fired up by yelling ‘Let’s go’ as CERT entered the pod,†Barton said.
Kevin Lynn Wilson, Clinton Swain and Donald Joe Ridenour were also indicted for rioting.
Once the situation was contained, a search of the jail was conducted.
A piece of metal measuring four inches by six inches was found. “It could have been used as weapon,†Barton said.
The five inmates were separated “for the safety of everybody,†Barton said.
No property was damaged and the only reported injury was a scratch on Russell’s arm, Barton said. He was medically cleared and sent back to a cell.
On Monday, the inmates pled not to guilty and were given a Sept. 30 court date.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 6/27/2024-6AM)