Crime & Safety

Corrections Officer 'Lost Control,' Assaulted Inmate: Report

Investigators say a Milwaukee County corrections officer "lost his cool," in repeatedly punching an inmate who was laughing at him.

MILWAUKEE, WI -- A Milwaukee County Corrections officer faces jail time after authorities say he "lost control" and punched an inmate who happened to be laughing at him.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County, Rasheed Farrakhan, 43, has been charged with misconduct in public office and abuse of an inmate. If convicted, Farrakhan faces up to three years behind bars and up to $20,000 in fines, according to state law.

Investigators allege that Farrakhan was on the job on Nov. 14, escorting an inmate to his jail cell. After placing the inmate in his cell, officers reported that the inmate subjected Farrakhan to a round of ridicule.

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According to the criminal complaint, during an animated verbal confrontation with the inmate, Farrakhan removed his glasses, handed them to another corrections officer and proceeded to punch multiple times in the inmate's torso and midsection.

Investigators say Farrakhan initially denied striking the inmate on Nov. 14. According to information reported in his criminal complaint, Farrakhan was detained at the Racine County Jail following his arrest. During his confinement in Racine, investigators say he admitted that he "lost control," "lost his cool" and gave the inmate "a couple chest shots" as he talked on a recorded telephone line from the jail area.

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