Ex-jailer found not guilty in alleged assault on inmate

Published 11:00 pm Friday, September 1, 2017

NATCHEZ (AP) — A former Mississippi jailer accused of helping inmates allegedly assault another inmate has been found not guilty.

The Natchez Democrat reports the Wednesday verdict concerned a former Adams County jailer facing charges of aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit it. Both counts emerged from a March 17, 2016, incident when Victor Smith allegedly helped inmates plan the assault on Joseph Sturdivant, who was reportedly found dead hanging in his cell later that day, although none of the charges were related to Sturdivant’s death.

Smith’s attorneys argued no evidence proved an assault on Sturdivant occurred and Smith wasn’t connected with inmates allegedly involved. Prosecutors argued a doctor who examined Sturdivant’s body testified Sturdivant’s injuries could’ve led to serious injury or death.

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