Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 32-year-old inmate at the Alachua County Jail, Jonathan Edward Thomas, is facing charges of battery after allegedly assaulting a fellow inmate. The victim, who serves his sentence on weekends, claimed the altercation stemmed from his refusal to smuggle contraband into the facility.

According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy, surveillance footage captured the incident on December 26 around 10:29 p.m. The video shows Thomas engaging in a heated argument with the victim. As the victim descended the stairs, Thomas reportedly pursued him, continued the argument, and slapped him in the face. Despite the victim’s attempt to withdraw from the confrontation, the dispute persisted until detention officers intervened.

The victim alleges that Thomas insulted him with a derogatory term due to his unwillingness to bring contraband into the jail during his weekend stays.

After being read his Miranda rights, Thomas reportedly chose not to answer any questions regarding the incident.

Thomas has been charged with battery on a jail detainee. He was originally arrested on November 20 for burglary and grand theft for his role in the theft of 64 cell phones from Metro PCS; he was also booked on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia from the traffic stop that led to his arrest and for burglary, theft, and credit card fraud from a vehicle break-in on October 20. He has five felony convictions (non-violent) and two misdemeanor convictions (non-violent). Judge Jonathan Ramsey added $25,000 to his previous bail of $322,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.