Jail guard admits to assaulting inmate with pepper spray
SCRANTON (AP) – A former Pennsylvania jail guard has admitted to assaulting an inmate by pepper spraying his genitals.
Former Lackawanna County guard Scott Blume acknowledged Wednesday to Judge Michael Barrasse that he assaulted Damian Kellogg in September. The (Scranton) Times-Tribune reports that Blume faces a maximum of two years in prison.
The incident was captured on surveillance video, and showed Blume arguing with Kellogg after he was ordered to change into a different uniform. Blume then grabbed Kellogg by his throat and sprayed him twice with pepper spray through a slot in the cell door.
First Assistant District Attorney Gene Riccardo said the plea signified Blume’s acceptance of responsibility.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after a pre-sentencing investigation.