Attempted Murder at U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, Louisiana
A shocking incident of violence occurred on January 13, 2017, at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, Louisiana. Charles Lee White, a 47-year-old inmate originally from California, attempted to kill two staff members who were conducting a health and welfare inspection of a housing unit.
According to the evidence presented during a three-day trial, White and another inmate attacked the staff members while they were searching a cell. The staff members noticed a large surplus of commissary items and contraband in the cell and decided to conduct a more detailed search. White, a member of the California Crips, confronted the staff members and refused to leave.
While the first staff member was facing White, he snuck up from behind and punched him in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground. White then pulled a homemade weapon, known as a shank, and stabbed the first staff member multiple times in the torso, arm, and shoulder. The other inmate attacked the second staff member, punching and biting him.
Despite being sprayed with pepper spray, White continued to resist and stabbed the second staff member again. It was not until additional staff responded and gave commands to surrender that White was finally detained. The shank was recovered as evidence, and both inmates were taken to medical for assessment.
The two staff members who were attacked were transported to a local hospital for treatment and survived their injuries. Charles Lee White, who is already serving a life sentence for a RICO conviction, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for attempting to kill the two staff members.
White was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on two counts of attempted murder of a federal employee. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. The FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara prosecuted the case.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by prison staff in maintaining order and safety within correctional facilities. The sentencing of Charles Lee White sends a strong message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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