Associated Press Published

Ex-jail Guard Admits Assaulting 2 West Virginia Inmates

Prison Bars

A former jail guard has pleaded guilty to two federal charges, admitting he used excessive force against inmates at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.

According to court documents, 21-year-old Hunter Lane Barrett, of Weston, assaulted one inmate in February and another in April.

Under a plea agreement, Barrett resigned from the jail and won’t take another job in corrections, law enforcement or armed security for 15 years.

The jail serves Barbour, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker and Upshur counties.

He could face up to a year in prison and a fine up to $100,000 on the misdemeanors, though prosecutors say they’ll recommended a lesser sentence because he took responsibility.

Barrett was released after pleading guilty Wednesday.

No sentencing date was immediately scheduled.

The case was investigated by the FBI.