According to court records, Pertuz was charged on July 25, 2022, after an incident inside the Leavenworth County Jail. Court documents state that Pertuz was participating in a basketball game inside the Rec Pod when, at one point during the game, Pertuz jumped on the back of his victim, who was a fellow inmate, and bit off the top of the victim’s ear.

Thompson said the jury’s verdict reflects the seriousness of violent behavior, even while in custody.

“County jails and correctional facilities have rules, and the law is still to be followed,” Thompson said. “Our office takes seriously any harm done to not only the staff, but to residents within these facilities.”

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3.