BEDFORD — A Mitchell man is facing additional felony charges following a violent altercation inside the Lawrence County Jail early Monday morning.
The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department reported that Edric Wafula Wilson Cash, 24, has been charged with battery against a public safety official and resisting law enforcement after an incident that left a female jail sergeant injured.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Sgt. Whitney Daugherty, the disturbance began around 5:02 a.m. on February 9, 2026. Jail staff reported that Cash had become “combative” after refusing to hand over his food tray to the sergeant.
When the sergeant and another correctional officer entered the cell to move Cash to a padded unit, a physical struggle ensued. Security footage reportedly shows Cash fighting with the officers over a mattress and refusing to place his hands behind his back. Cash then struck the sergeant in the face with his left knee while other officers attempted to restrain him.
The assault resulted in the sergeant sustaining a bloody nose and facial injuries. The situation was only de-escalated when another officer arrived with a Taser, at which point Cash began to comply.
When questioned, Cash stated he was frustrated because he felt he was being moved for no reason and denied assaulting any staff members.
The sergeant signed a battery affidavit and indicated she would seek further medical evaluation at a hospital following her shift. Photographs of her injuries were taken and submitted as evidence.
Cash, who was already in custody at the time of the incident from his arrest on February 2 on charges of theft of auto parts and unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle. He now faces the following preliminary charges of moderate bodily injury against a public safety official and resisting law enforcement.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
