A local teen charged with murder has been transferred to a state corrections facility for “others’ safety” after a string of incidents in the Carter County Jail, including an alleged attack on an officer by the inmate.
Anthony Joseph Lacy, 18, is awaiting trial on first-degree murder and several theft and burglary charges in connection with a crime spree in Roan Mountain on July 3 and 4.
Since his arrest on those charges, Lacy has been held in the Carter County Detention Center.
On Oct. 29, Criminal Court Judge Stacy Street issued a court order for Lacy to be transferred to the Safekeeping Unit of the Tennessee Department of Corrections, citing alleged “behavioral issues” with Lacy during his incarceration. The District Attorney General’s office requested the transfer.
In the order, Street cites one incident in particular where it is alleged Lacy “attacked a jailer by striking him repeatedly with a broom handle” on Oct. 23. Carter County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Mike Little said charges in connection with that incident are pending.
Since his original arrest, Lacy has picked up three more charges after incidents inside the jail. He was charged with aggravated assault after an Aug. 29 altercation in which Lacy is alleged to have attacked his cell mate. Officers found the cell mate on the floor of the cell, lying on his back in a pool of blood, the warrant says. Lacy was charged with assault after another altercation Oct. 14, and an Aug. 30 incident led to a vandalism charge after corrections officers reported finding damage to Lacy’s cell.
“The court finds that the Carter County Sheriff’s Department, as well as other local jail facilities, lack adequate secure facilities and services to ensure the safety of those who are housed or work in the presence of (Lacy) pending disposition of his charges,” Street said in the court order. “(Lacy’s) risk to others’ safety is such that he should be transported as soon as is reasonably possible.”
Lacy was transferred to the TDOC Oct. 30 and is being housed at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville.