FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Attack On FDC Officer Leads to Same Day Inmate Arrest

FDC credits a swift arrest to unyielding support from the Office of Inspector General, local law enforcement and committed prison administrators

SNEADS, Fla.  — Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) Inmate LaFrederick Staples (P38040) was arrested by Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Law Enforcement Inspectors and transported to jail within hours of a violent attack upon an officer. Inmate Staples became violent while being counseled by staff and attacked an officer from behind. The inmate refused orders to cease his assaultive behavior and force was necessary to restrain the inmate. Probable cause was established, and an arrest was made due to the collective collaboration between Apalachee Correctional Institution leadership, the OIG and Sheriff Donald Edenfield of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

“FDC will not condone attacks on our staff. Behavior like this will not be tolerated, and justice will be sought,” said FDC Secretary Ricky Dixon. “This action is a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring staff and inmates have a safe and secure environment, and our mission of public safety is upheld. This swift and decisive response would not have been possible without the assistance of the Inspector General and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Our thoughts and prayers are with our staff as they continue to recover from this attack.”

Inmate Staples was charged with attempted first-degree murder, battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting a law enforcement officer with violence. Details related to the assault are limited due to privacy laws, but additional information can be found in the affidavit.