Special to the Enquirer

A federal judge Jan. 11 sentenced a federal inmate on an assault charge, according to U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis.

U.S District Court Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Lemond Lawrence Burns, 22, of Alpine, to 150 months in prison. Burns pleaded guilty in October 2021 to the assault of a Morgan County corrections officer resulting in bodily injury.

“Corrections officers perform a difficult and sometimes dangerous job to ensure inmates are housed safely,” Escalona said. “My office will not hesitate to prosecute any inmates who violate the law by attacking and injuring corrections officers.”

Davis said the assault occurred following Burns’ arrest on financial crimes charges.

“We are thankful to our local law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in the prosecution of this case,” Davis said. “Law enforcement is a noble calling, and any acts of violence against law enforcement cannot be tolerated in a just society.”

Morgan County Sheriff Ron Puckett said “justice was served” in the sentence.

“I am grateful for U.S. Attorney Escalona and the U.S. Secret Service for their handling of this case,” Puckett said. “Corrections officers work tirelessly in a profession many would never attempt. The senseless, brazen assault on Officer Evans was unacceptable, and today’s sentence reinforces that sentiment.”

According to the plea agreement, in April 2021, Burns was a federal inmate being held in custody at the Morgan County Jail. Burns was awaiting sentencing on a previous federal conviction.

April 19 Burns assaulted a female corrections officer who was working at the jail. Burns punched her twice and knocked her to the ground. The corrections officer sustained injuries to her face and teeth and was transported to the hospital.

The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case along with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin B. Mark prosecuted the case.