BSRDC Corrections Officer Arrested for Allegedly Throwing First Punch

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

A Big Sandy Regional Correctional Officer was arrested Friday, Feb. 20, on assault charges on a complaint warrant from Johnson County District Court.

According to the complaint, Sebastian Stewart, of Inez, was charged with assault, 4th Degree (No Visible Injury).

The affidavit states Stewart, identified as a correctional officer at the facility, was involved in an altercation with Joseph Harris, of Inez, on jail property. The report also indicates video footage reviewed by investigators allegedly showed Stewart striking Harris first.

Harris was also arrested following the incident according to court records. He was charged with Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place (1st & 2nd Offense), Assault, 4th Degree (No Visible Injury).

According to the citation on Harris, Paintsville E-911 received a call from a correctional officer at Big Sandy Regional Detention Center reporting that Harris was outside fighting and appeared intoxicated. The report states Harris admitted to swinging and hitting the officer and said he had consumed multiple shots of alcohol.

Harris was transported to Paintsville ARH for medical clearance before being lodged at Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

Both cases are listed as Not Prepayable and will proceed in Johnson County Court.