Cook County Jail Inmates Who Burned Uniforms Charged With Arson: Sheriff's Office

CHICAGO, IL — Eight inmates housed in the maximum security area of Cook County Jail face arson charges stemming from an incident last month in which they were accused of rigging a microwave to burn their uniforms, the Cook County Sheriff's Office announced Friday. Two correctional deputies were hospitalized for smoke exposure from the resulting fire, and two other guards were injured while trying to control the situation April 15.

According to the sheriff's office, inmates in a tier of Division 9 — Cook County Jail's super-max area that houses detainees accused of sexual misconduct — lit a wick in a microwave in order to set their specially designed uniforms on fire. The smoke from the fire filled the prison area and became so thick that detainees needed to be moved to an outdoor patio.

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The following inmates were charged with a single count of aggravated arson in the incident. The reasons for their initial incarceration also are included:

• Ramon Pendleton, 20, held on an attempt murder charge since January 2016
• Andrew Boone, 25, held on a murder charge since December 2015
• Eric Brown, 24, held on a murder charge since March 2013
• Jalen Hibbler, 18, held on a murder charge since November 2016
• Kiarunn Bailey, 19, held on a murder charge since August 2014
• Marques Ross, 21, held on an attempt murder charge since July 2014
• Sam Robinson, 22, held on aggravated robbery charge since January 2016
• Davead McIntyre, 24, held on an armed habitual criminal charge since February 2016

Pendleton also faces a charge of aggravated battery to a peace officer in connection with the incident.

More Patch Coverage:

Cook County Jail Guards Hurt When Inmates Use Microwave To Set Uniforms On Fire

Dramatic Video Shows Inmates Setting Fire To Uniforms

Bond hearings for the inmates are scheduled for Friday and Sautrday.

Video footage from a Cook County Jail security camera shows maximum security inmates using a microwave to burn their specially designed uniforms April 16. (Photo via Cook County Sheriff's Office)

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