By Howard Koplowitz
al.com
DECATUR, Ala. — A federal inmate housed in the Morgan County Jail who allegedly attacked a corrections officer Monday during meal time was charged Tuesday with assault, authorities said.
Lemond Lawerance Burns, 21, of Alpine, allegedly punched Morgan County Jail Corrections Officer Kathy Evans twice around 4:30 p.m., said Morgan County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Mike Swafford.
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Evans suffered multiple injuries, including a concussion and contusions around her mouth and eye, which is swollen shut, Swafford said. The corrections officer also bruised her back, head and arms from hitting the ground after being punched.
She was distributing evening meals when Burns requested a smoke break. Evans told the inmate, who is set to be sentenced in Birmingham federal court in June on fraud charges and was charged with capital murder in the January shooting death of 22-year-old Alabama A&M student Dallis Patrick Ryan Wolfe, that he could get a smoke break once meal time was over.
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That’s when Burns allegedly walked up to Evans and quickly punched her twice, knocking her to the ground.
The officer was taken to Decatur Morgan Hospital by ambulance.
“Our correction officers are unsung members of our team. They serve in a $13 an hour position, spending more time in jail than many of our inmates. This was a cold, unwarranted attack with no remorse,” Swafford said in a statement. “We hurt with Officer Evans, who is a model officer, is active in her community and has a heart for serving. This event is a reminder of their true value to our community. “
Burns was charged with second-degree assault and given $50,000 bond. He is expected to face the assault charge after his state and federal cases finish, Swafford said.
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