Jail inmate charged with battering weekender for refusing to smuggle contraband into jail

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jonathan Edward Thomas, 32, an inmate at the Alachua County Jail, has been charged with battery on another inmate after the victim, who is serving his sentence on weekends, said Thomas hit him because he refuses to smuggle contraband into the jail when he reports to the jail on weekends.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy reported that he reviewed surveillance video from the jail that showed Thomas arguing with the victim at about 10:29 p.m. on December 26. As the victim walked down the stairs, Thomas allegedly followed him, continuing to argue, and then slapped the victim in the face. The victim retreated, but both parties reportedly continued to argue until Detention Officers arrived.

The victim reportedly said Thomas called him a derogatory name because he refuses to smuggle contraband into the jail when he reports on weekends.

Post Miranda, Thomas reportedly declined to answer any questions.

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.