Former prison CO accused of role in assault by inmate
Trending
BARAGA -- A former Michigan Department of Corrections officer at an Upper Peninsula prison faces a felony charge after being accused of opening a cell door, which allowed an inmate to assault another corrections officer.
Shelby Pennock, 44, was arraigned July 14 in the 97th District Court in Baraga/L'Anse on one felony count of assault of a prison employee. Bond was set at $500, and her next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 11.
According to a Michigan State Police news release, Pennock was working March 28 in a cell block at the Baraga Correctional Facility with another MDOC corrections officer when, while the other officer was performing a separate task, she allegedly intentionally opened an inmate's cell door knowing that would result in an assault on the other officer.
The other officer had non-life-threatening injuries after being placed in a headlock and repeatedly struck with closed-fist blows to the head and upper body before he, with the assistance of additional staff, was able to subdue the inmate. Pennock had non-life-threatening injuries after the inmate assaulted her as well.
MDOC reported the incident to MSP and a detective from the Calumet Post led the coordinated investigation between MDOC and MSP and the case submitted to the Baraga County Prosecutor's Office for review.
The prosecutor issued two felony charges for the inmate, assault of a prison employee and prisoner-possess weapon. The inmate, whose name was withheld, remains incarcerated with the MDOC; his arraignment is still pending.
Pennock is no longer employed by the MDOC. MSP remind the public all defendants are considered innocent unless proven guilty.