Inmate sentenced for hitting, biting officer at TH federal prison

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​By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

An inmate currently serving a 15-year sentece at the federal prison in Terre Haute faces an additional three- and- a -half years for assaulting a correctional officer after sentencing in court today.

Jackson J. Horrison, 49, was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment by Chief U. S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson for hitting a correctional officer in the face and biting his arm during a disturbance at the facility nearly one year ago.

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Public Information Officer Tim Horty, of the Southern District of Indiana, explained that the incident happened on March 19, after Horrison reportedly caused a disturbance in the facility by smearing feces on his cell door and forcing the feces under his door and on to the range walkway.
 
Horrison was  handcuffed and ordered to move to the back of the cell.

Upon entering the cell, officers discovered the offender had freed his hands, allowing him to assault the officer.

"Horrison then charged at the officer and punched the officer in his eye. Later Horrison bit the officer on the left bicep and held the bite for 15-20 seconds,' Horty said, adding that Horrison later threatened the officer that he suffers from Hepatitis C and the officer now would have it, too  -- implying that the disease is contagious.
 
The officer did not contract any diseases from the bite, although records confirm Horrison is infected with Hepatitis C.

Meanwhile, officials say protecting prison workers  is a top priority.

“The correctional officers at the Bureau of Prisons have a very dangerous job managing the inmates there,” US Attorney Josh Minkler stated in a press release. “Protecting them is a priority of this office and we will not tolerate violence directed toward them.” 

Horrison is serving a 15-year-sentence at the Terre Haute facility after a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm from the Northern District of Alabama.
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The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons, Special Investigative Section.