Lester Lee Nash, a 47-year-old convicted murderer, has been found guilty of assaulting federal correctional officers and possessing a prohibited object, a shank, while incarcerated in a federal prison.
According to the United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg, Nash was found guilty by a federal jury of two counts of forcibly assaulting a federal officer causing bodily injury, and one count of possessing a prohibited object while incarcerated.
Nash, who is currently serving a life sentence for murder at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County, faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 17, 2023.
The incident occurred on June 11, 2021, when Nash attacked one of the correctional officers in his cell block, striking him from behind and causing severe injuries. He then charged another nearby correctional officer and struck him repeatedly. After Nash was subdued and searched, prison staff found a shank made from a sharpened toothbrush handle hidden in his underwear.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Hamilton and Sarah J. Swartzberg. Nash was indicted on August 31, 2021, and has been awaiting trial since then.
The guilty verdict is a significant win for the prosecution, who presented testimony and evidence at trial that demonstrated Nash’s violent behavior and possession of a prohibited object. The case highlights the ongoing issue of violence in federal prisons and the need for correctional officers to be protected from inmates who pose a threat to their safety.
Nash’s sentencing hearing will take place on May 17, 2023, where he will face the possibility of an additional 50 years in federal prison. The outcome of the sentencing hearing will depend on various factors, including Nash’s prior criminal history and his behavior while incarcerated.
The conviction of Lester Lee Nash serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent behavior in federal prisons. The case demonstrates the commitment of federal law enforcement agencies to protecting correctional officers and maintaining order in federal prisons.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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