Houston jailer accused of punching inmate faces charge

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston jailer has been charged in connection to an assault on an inmate.

Lasswon Shannon is charged with an Assault/Bodily-Injury in connection to the June 10 incident at the Central Jail at 61 Riesner.

Shannon is accused of punching a handcuffed inmate in the face several times with a closed fist and forcing him to the floor of a jail cell.

"Where sufficient evidence exists, public officials, including jailers, who violate the civil rights of persons in custody and others suspected of committing criminal offenses will be prosecuted vigorously," said Julian Ramirez, Chief of the District Attorney's Civil Rights Division.

Shannon is currently out on a $1,000 bond, but he could face more charges.

If convicted, he could spend up to a year in jail and face a fine up to $4,000.