Levar Washington Charged in Prison Shank Attack

Levar Washington, a 37-year-old inmate at United States Penitentiary, Allenwood, was indicted for attacking a fellow prisoner with a sharpened weapon known as a shank. The assault, which occurred inside the federal facility, left the victim with multiple stab wounds, according to a December 20, 2016 indictment from a federal grand jury.

Charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of contraband, Washington now faces prosecution in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler confirmed the charges, stating the evidence points to a deliberate and violent use of a homemade weapon inside the maximum-security compound.

The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was transported for medical treatment following the attack. Details of the inmate’s condition have not been released, but sources inside the prison describe the incident as one of the more brutal assaults recorded at USP Allenwood in recent years.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and prison authorities at USP Allenwood conducted the joint investigation into the incident. Investigators recovered the shank and secured witness statements from other inmates and staff present during the altercation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is leading the prosecution. Washington, if convicted, could face up to 10 years in federal prison, a term of supervised release, and a fine. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines will weigh the nature of the attack, Washington’s criminal history, and the need for deterrence and public safety.

As of now, Washington remains detained at the facility. The Justice Department reminds the public that indictments are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Trial dates have not yet been scheduled.

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