By Thomas Geyer
Moline Dispatch and Rock Island Argus, Ill.
SCOTT COUNTY, Iowa — Scott County prosecutors on Thursday filed formal charges against a Scott County Jail inmate who allegedly beat a jail corrections officer on Wednesday.
Johntarrius Anthony Thorpe, 22, is charged in Scott County District Court with three counts of willful injury causing serious injury, two counts of assault on persons in certain occupations and one count of interference with a corrections official inflicting serious injury.
Each of those charges is a Class C felony under Iowa law, carrying a prison sentence of 10 years.
Thorpe is also charged with Class D felony assault on persons in certain occupations, which carries a prison sentence of five years.
According to the arrest affidavits filed by Scott County Sheriff’s deputy Murphy Blocker , the assault took place at 6:29 a.m.
Thorpe had been ordered to lockdown by the corrections officer for allegedly violating jail rules and procedures.
Thorpe ran toward and threw his plastic meal tray at the corrections officer’s head. He then began to swing at the corrections officer’s face with closed fists.
The corrections officer tried to subdue Thorpe, and an altercation occurred within the housing unit where Thorpe and the corrections officer were fighting.
During the fight, Thorpe was able to arm himself with the correction officer’s metal handcuffs. Thorpe repeatedly struck the officer in the face and head areas, according to the affidavits.
Thorpe was able to assault the officer with the handcuffs for several minutes until the officer could grab hold of Thorpe.
Thorpe eventually broke free and retreated into his assigned jail cell.
The officer suffered a broken nose, broken eye orbit and numerous lacerations, some of which required stitches or staples.
The officer was taken to MercyOne Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, for treatment before being transferred to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for further care.
Sheriff Tim Lane said the officer has been released from the hospital. Lane said the doctors are waiting for some of the swelling to go down before assessing what needs to be done.
Thorpe made a first appearance on the charges Thursday in District Court. Magistrate Christine Frederick scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Sept. 4 . Frederick set Thorpe’s bond on the new charges at $50,000, cash only.
Thorpe is being held in the Scott County Jail on attempted murder and weapons charges in connection with a July 5, 2025 , shooting incident in which an innocent bystander was struck but survived.
In a separate case, Thorpe is charged with felon in possession of a firearm.
Thorpe’s next court appearance in those cases is scheduled for Sept. 11 .
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