NEWS

January 24, 2009
ISP inmate attacks officer

A correctional officer at the Iowa State Penitentiary was treated at a hospital after being attacked and beaten by an inmate, an official of the Iowa Department of Corrections said Friday.

DOC spokesman Fred Scaletta said the incident happened Wednesday morning while an officer was escorting inmate Timothy J. Matthews, 34, from a cell house to an exercise area.

"He (Matthews) was being escorted from the cell house to a recreation area, and just as they were exiting the cell house, under the escort of the officer, the inmate just turned on him," Scaletta said. "(Matthews) just assaulted him, started punching him in the face."

Scaletta said the officer, who was not identified, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for facial bruises and some contusions, "but he is OK."

Matthews was immediately taken to segregation, pending completion of the investigation.

"The result of the investigation will be turned over to a prosecutor," Scaletta said.

Besides the pending prosecution on the charge of assault on a correctional officer, Matthews faces an internal discipline process.

"Most likely, one of the sanctions could result in additional lockup time and disciplinary detention," the spokesman said.

Matthews is serving a 15-year sentence from Scott County for intimidation with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon and cocaine trafficking charges. He entered prison in March 2007.

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