Correctional officer charged with alleged assault on inmate at Clark County Jail – WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio

CLARK COUNTY – A local correctional officer is accused of assaulting an inmate at the Clark County Jail and causing injury to another correctional officer.

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Steven Jordan, 20, was charged with assault, according to documents filed Thursday in Clark County Municipal Court.

Jordan is accused of attacking an inmate on August 5.

The inmate, who had been arrested the day before for obstruction of justice, was receiving a medical injection from the prison nurse when he “became angry at our correctional officers.” Jordan and another correctional officer placed the inmate on the bench in his cell, rolled him onto his side and restrained him.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Jordan then punched the inmate “several times in the shoulder and back area.”

The officers then tried to close the cell door, but the inmate tried to get out.

“He tried to get out of the cell and push through the door,” said Chief Deputy Mike Young of the Clark County Sheriff's Office.

Jordan then pushed both the inmate and the other correctional officer into the cell, causing both to fall against the wall and the bench area, causing the other correctional officer to hit her head.

“The correctional officers involved stated that CO Steven Jordan [the inmate] with a closed fist, several times, even though the inmate obeyed and did not attempt to cause physical harm to anyone,” court documents state.

According to documents, Jordan was arrested, but he is not listed as an inmate at the Clark County Jail. His arraignment was scheduled for Thursday, and court records show he pleaded not guilty.

The Clark County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Jordan has since been placed on leave. As reported News Center 7 at 6:00The incident led to a standard use of force investigation.

Young said they had concerns about the initial reports.

“The only thing that is questionable is the level of aggression used,” said Young.

The sheriff's office investigated the case and passed its findings on to the district attorney's office, which led to assault charges.

News Center 7 obtained a copy of Jordan's personnel file, which shows no disciplinary action since he was hired in May 2023. But now, independent of his criminal charges, he is also the focus of an internal investigation to determine whether he faces professional punishment.

Community members said they were disheartened by the allegations.

“I trusted you to do a certain job. If you can't do it, or you're proven to be ineffective, or you've assaulted someone, you should be fired,” said Paul McDermott of Springfield.

As for the inmate who was beaten, the sheriff's office said he was “released,” meaning he was taken to the hospital on an emergency basis to have his mental health evaluated. News Center 7 asked him if he wanted to talk about the attack, but through his attorney, he declined an interview.

His attorney declined to speak on camera, but told News Center 7's John Bedell that he was extremely concerned about the allegations and looked forward to holding those responsible accountable.

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