Inmate Sentenced for Rioting in a Federal Prison

Jackson, Miss. - Juan Geraldo Arredondo, 37, originally from Parral, Mexico, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III on January 10, 2017, to 120 months in prison for his participation in a prison riot which took place at the Adams County Correctional facility on May 20, 2012, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze. Arredondo was also ordered to pay restitution jointly and severally in the amount of $1,382,313. He is subject to deportation following his release from prison.

The cause of the riot was what the inmates perceived to be inadequate food, medical conditions and disrespectful staff members. During the riot, prison fences were destroyed, windows were broken, prison property was stolen, hostages were taken, correctional officers were assaulted, and one corrections officer was killed. Geraldo is the twenty-fourth and final defendant to be sentenced in this case.

"Federal inmates are protected by the constitution from cruel and unusual punishment within correctional facilities, but when they riot inside one of these facilities, it poses a risk to those sworn to protect them and to our society as a whole," said Christopher Freeze, special agent in charge of the FBI in Mississippi. "Almost five years ago, Corrections Officer Catlin Carithers had his life taken while trying to protect others. As this case draws to an end, we hope the sentences of the 24 individuals involved in this riot sends a strong message to those who are incarcerated: rioting is unacceptable, murder is unconscionable and consequences are significant."

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief, Patrick Lemon.