The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office was charged with having 19 detainees in court, on June 14.
With the help of Daviess-Dekalb County Regional Jail, there were 3 transport vans of detainees as well as a handful of jail staff to assist the deputies and sheriff with court and detainee security.
Jefferson O. Patton, 34, who was represented by an out of town attorney, pleaded guilty to a class B felony drug crime. He received a 9-year-sentence from Honorable Thomas N. Chapman, which caused Patton to became irate and is alleged to have acted completely improper by yelling profanity and making other comments toward the court.
Although in full restraints, Patton continued with a high level of resistance with staff and his disturbance as well as foul language to the Court and staff members.
As a deputy and detention staff were attempting to remove him from the courtroom, Patton being a rather large male, in a scuffle with a detention officer, caused one of the detention officer’s arms to go through the window of a side room door.
Patton is reported to have continued his resistance on the way out of the courthouse and refused to comply with getting into a transport van’s secured area.
A small group of people that were present in support of Patton were ordered from the courthouse and property for the disturbing actions taking place inside.
Chief Deputy Claypole, a detention officer, and Sheriff Cox were able to secure Patton in the safety transport area of the van.
Patton is also awaiting court disposition on a case in Linn County.
Potential criminal charges are being reviewed and an investigation will be completed regarding this incident. One or more of the members present in court in support of Patton may potentially face a charge of disturbing a judicial proceeding for their actions.
Fortunately, no significant injury was incurred during the incident
The defense attorney for Patton expressed appreciation to Deputy Claypole for the manner in which his client was treated, considering his actions.
Sheriff Cox is also submitting documents to the Missouri Department of Corrections concerning Patton regarding the security level and officer safety situation displayed.
