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Two SD inmates found guilty of assaulting correctional officers

South Dakota state penitentiary in Sioux Falls (file)
South Dakota Department of Corrections
South Dakota state penitentiary in Sioux Falls (file)

Two inmates have been found guilty of assaulting correctional officers at the South Dakota penitentiary.

Authorities identified the inmates as 49-year-old Lester Monroe and 31-year-old Kyle Jones.

Attorney General Marty Jackley said the inmates attacked two Department of Corrections employees at the Jameson Annex in Sioux Falls in 2023.

“This was a violent assault on two of our correctional officers, including one officer who was struck more than 70 times, doing their job,” Jackley said. “Violence in the prison will not be tolerated, and offenders will be held accountable.”

The two officers injured in the attack were treated and released, officials said.

A Minnehaha circuit court jury found both Monroe and Jones guilty of attempted first degree murder of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault. Each inmate faces up to 100 additional years in prison. They’ll face sentencing at a later date.