York County inmate facing assault charges

YORK, S.C. (AP) — A male York County inmate has been charged with assaulting a female inmate while both were being held in the same cell.

The Herald of Rock Hill reports Wednesday (http://bit.ly/LTSujt ) that 33-year-old James Henry Richardson is charged with second-degree assault and battery.

Authorities say Richardson touched the woman’s breast, buttocks and genital area while she slept at around 9 a.m. Saturday.

Jail policy states male and female offenders shouldn’t be in the same cell.

A sheriff’s office attorney says the woman was already in the cell when officers placed Richardson there while his cell was being cleaned. Attorney Kristie Jordan says the woman was asleep with a blanket covering her head and body.

Officials say the woman was immediately removed and examined. Jordan says the officers have been suspended.

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Information from: The Herald, http://www.heraldonline.com