According to court documents, Justin D. Pierce, 41, injured one corrections officer during a disturbance that happened inside the Lansing Correctional Facility on Jan. 8, 2023. The attack occurred after Pierce approached and argued with the victim, who was working inside an officer station at the time. Pierce was directed to return to his cell but disregarded the command and entered the Officer Station, where he struck the victim with his fists. The victim received bruising to his legs and torso in the attack, according to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson.

Pierce, who was charged with two counts of battery against a law enforcement officer, was found not guilty on one charge.

“These corrections officers face adversity and danger every day they go to work,” Thompson said. “No matter the risk, these folks continue to serve proudly, and I applaud them for that.”

A sentencing hearing in this case is scheduled for Dec. 6, 2024.