Eight Vernon inmates charged in attack of another

Published 1:10 pm Friday, November 12, 2021

Eight Vernon Parish inmates received additional charges this week after what authorities are calling a “serious attack” on another inmate.

Jerry Lee Eaves, 40; Shawn Brister, 31; Zaydin Gilland, 19; Joshua Blasdale, 34; Bradley Brittain, 25; Joshua Gattis, 35; Christopher Cromp, 28; and Brian Chappell, 57 were each charged with second-degree battery and criminal conspiracy for the attack that occurred inside the Vernon Parish Jail on Monday.

Sheriff Sam Craft declined to identify the inmate who was the target in the attack, but did confirm the victim required medical attention.

Craft said the inmate’s injuries were “not life-threatening” and included a black eye and broken nose.

Before Monday’s incident, numerous posts made on the sheriff’s office social media page included comments alluding to threats of violence against three individuals from Rosepine arrested recently in connection with the sexual abuse of a child in exchange for money and drugs.

Craft told the American Press his office is aware of such posts, but declined to comment further.