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Teen inmate beaten by others

Officials say a racial slur might have prompted the attack at a juvenile jail.

By JORGE SANCHEZ
Published January 30, 2006

LECANTO - An inmate at the Cypress Creek juvenile correctional facility was beaten by other inmates after the victim allegedly used a racial slur.

The victim, a 17-year-old white male whose name was not released, was struck repeatedly in the head and face during the beating by three other inmates. His injuries were considered severe and he was airlifted to a hospital.

The attack took place about 11 a.m. Sunday, after the victim directed a racial slur at a black inmate, according to a spokeswoman for the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. The slur prompted the attack by three other juveniles, said sheriff's spokeswoman Gail Tierney. She said the racial slur was not directed toward any of the three attackers.

"But they apparently took offense to it," Tierney said.

Although Cypress Creek, a maximum security juvenile jail, is operated by a private firm, G4S Youth Services, the Sheriff's Office handles escapes and trouble calls. Three of the juvenile inmates now face criminal charges from the attack.

The victim was lying on the floor of a common area watching television when the beating began, according to a Sheriff's Office report.

Vander A. Johnson, 16, a Cypress Creek inmate, punched and kicked the victim, as did another inmate, Wayne Thomas, 15, according to the arrest report. The victim lay on the ground, attempting to protect himself, as other blows were landed.

Mario J. Allen, 16, allegedly pushed down a female corrections officer to get to the 17-year-old victim, according to the arrest report. Allen also landed several blows to the victim, according to the arrest report.

The victim had a broken nose and some bruises. He was admitted to a hospital for observation and medical treatment, according to the arrest report. Sheriff's officials said they were not going to name the hospital because a slight risk of retaliation was still possible, Tierney said. All three defendants were charged with felony counts of battery. Allen was additionally charged with battery on a detention facility staffer. All three were removed from the Cypress Creek jail and taken to a Department of Juvenile Justice facility in Ocala.

--Jorge Sanchez can be reached at 860-7313 or e-mail at sanchez@sptimes.com

[Last modified January 30, 2006, 00:32:10]