Jasper County Jailer assaulted by inmate

An inmate at the Jasper County Jail has been charged with assault following an incident with a jailer.

Tesha Villecco-Owens, 47, of Newton, was charged with assault on a person in certain occupations after she attacked a jailer at 2:05 p.m. Thursday.

Villecco-Owens was being held at the jail and was upset for an unknown reason when she pushed her food under the door of her cell. Due to safety concerns, the jailer opened the door to retrieve the tray.

At that time, Villecco-Owens started to yell at the jailer and refused to back up, not allowing the jailer to get the tray. The jailer told her to step back and when she reportedly refused to comply. The jailer attempted to gain access by pushing her back.

It was then that Villecco-Owens allegedly came at the jailer punching and swinging her arms. Jail staff was able to put her back in her cell but not before she was able to make visible scratches and abrasions on the jailer’s face and neck, drawing blood.

According to reports of the incident, the jailer sustained injuries to his lips, face, neck and throat area. The jailer received medical attention for the injuries.

Villecco-Owens is currently being held at the jail on $11,000 bond.