By Bill Grimes
Effingham Daily News
EFFINGHAM — An Effingham County Jail inmate awaiting sentencing on an aggravated battery conviction now has new charges to contend with after a Wednesday night altercation with correctional officers, authorities said.
Effingham County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release that Matthew M. Rauch, 25, rushed two correctional officers while they were performing a routine cell check at 11:08 p.m. After a struggle, Rauch was taken to the ground and subdued, officials said. A sheriff’s deputy responded to the scene and assisted in handcuffing Rauch, who pleaded guilty last month in connection with hitting a pregnant woman in the face on March 31.
The sheriff’s department said all parties emerged from the altercation with nothing more than scratches and minor injuries.
Rauch has been charged with aggravated battery to a correctional officer and attempted escape from a penal institution. He was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday morning, but online court records show he was “too unruly” to be brought to court. A status hearing is set for Friday. Rauch is still set for sentencing in his original case on July 21.
Sheriff Dave Mahon said in a news release that he commended the jailers and deputy for their quick response.
“The officers utilized their training and followed protocol, thus restoring order and maintaining the security of the jail,” Mahon said.
Mahon declined to identify the officers involved.