News

Menard attack was planned

Posted April 27, 2017 11:00 pm

By Staff Report

The Menard Correctional Center officers who were injured in the April 23 incident at the maximum-security facility were reportedly victims of a planned attack by gang-affiliated inmates.

"It was unprovoked in any way," said Pat Rensing, staff representative with AFSCME Council 31 of the fight, which involved a reported three inmates.

According to AFSCME sources, the inmates had a list of the officers' names and the fight took place between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. around shift change while inmates were returning to the east cell house from dinner.

A source at the prison told the Herald Tribune six guards were injured, while AFSCME sources stated they were only aware of three. One of the guards was transported to Memorial Hospital of Chester with internal bleeding, a concussion and required several stitches to his lip.

The others suffered minor injuries.

Previously, Illinois Department of Corrections spokeswoman Nicole Wilson said the inmates involved had been transferred to other facilities and IDOC was investigating the incident.

"The offenders have been transferred to other correctional facilities," Wilson said Monday. "Upon completion of the investigation, the Department will refer the case to the state's attorney for possible prosecution."

Rensing said of the inmates involved, one was transferred to Lawrenceville Correctional Center, while the other two were sent to Pontiac Correctional Center.

Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker has previously said he has received some preliminary reports from IDOC and he anticipated charges being filed as a result of the incident.

"Nothing new to report," Walker said in a text message to the newspaper on Friday. "Waiting on some additional reports from DOC.

"Should be ready to go next week."

Since last Sunday's incident, the Herald Tribune has learned of another staff assault incident at Menard, which occurred Wednesday. The facility was still on lockdown on Friday.

AFSCME sources told the newspaper that an inmate, who was handcuffed, was on his way to his disciplinary hearing when he "mule-kicked" the correctional officer escorting him. That officer later had to be medically treated at Memorial Hospital.

Rensing told the Herald Tribune that on April 1, new discipline standards for inmates took effect that are reportedly less than previously enforced. The newspaper is waiting for more information on what the new standards are.

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