SEDGWICK COUNTY — An inmate accused in an attack on a Kansas jail deputy faces additional charges.
On Friday, 21-year-old James Chavez of Wichita, was charged with aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.
On April 14, a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy suffered serious burns after an inmate identified as Chavez launched a targeted attack inside the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.
The incident happened while the deputy was speaking with inmates in a housing pod. Chavez obtained a pot of boiling water and threw it on the deputy, causing second and third-degree burns to the back part of his body.
Sedgwick County EMS transported the deputy to a local hospital, where he was admitted to the Burn Unit. The 30-year-old deputy who has served with the Sheriff’s Office for nearly two years is expected to fully recover and ihospitalized.s no longer
Chavez was originally booked into the detention facility in March 2024 on pending juvenile charges and later faced an additional charge for trafficking contraband into a correctional facility He has had 39 documented disciplinary incidents since entering the facility.
Inmates have traditionally had access to hot water for preparing coffee, tea, and food items like Ramen noodles. After reviewing the policy, the Sheriff’s Office removed this privilege.
“Our office remains committed to the safety of our employees,” Sheriff Jeff Easter said. Chavez remains in custody on a $150,000 bond and is due back in court April 24, according to the district attorney's office.