Attack Spurs Lockdown At Parchman

JACKSON, Miss. (Press Release) – The Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman remains on lockdown until further notice as an investigation into an assault on a senior officer continues.

Visitation is canceled this weekend, and telephone use and canteen are suspended.

“There have been 38 assaults on staff this year – about five assaults per month – including this recent one,” Commissioner Marshall Fisher said. “We take our mission seriously. While we are charged with the care, custody and control of inmates, the safety of our officers is just as important. Assaults on staff will not be tolerated. Visitations, canteen and phone use are all privileges, not rights.”

The senior officer was stabbed several times in the head and neck area on Monday, as he was conducting a routine inspection at Unit 29, which houses up to 1,500 inmates. The weapon was recovered. The officer, whose injuries were not life-threatening, remains off work as a result of his injuries.

The unit was searched following the assault. Multiple shanks, phones, and nuisance contraband were found.

Inmate Michael Goldman, the attacker, will receive not only a rules violation report, which is an administrative punishment, but also will face an assault charge. Goldman, No. 118777, is serving time for three felonies committed in Madison County. He received 25 years for residential burglary, 30 years for sexual battery and 20 years for aggravated assault.

As a matter of practice, MDOC refers assault cases to the local district attorney offices for prosecution. “Whether the DAs want to pursue prosecution of inmates is left up to the DAs, but we will especially refer the staff assault cases,” Fisher said.

Categories: Local News, State News

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