MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | ANOKA COUNTY: Inmate sentenced to 18 months following assault at Anoka County Jail

ANOKA COUNTY, MN (April 20, 2026)

An 18-year-old inmate, Jaylan Lavone Black, was sentenced on Friday, April 17, 2026, to 18 months in prison in connection with an assault on a fellow inmate at the Anoka County Jail, according to court records and prosecutorial information.

Case Summary

The incident occurred on December 6, 2024, inside the Anoka County Jail. Authorities reported that a verbal altercation between inmates escalated into a physical assault. Black punched another inmate in the face, resulting in a facial fracture, an injury classified as substantial bodily harm under Minnesota law.

Charges and Plea

Black pleaded guilty to third-degree assault on February 3, 2026. Third-degree assault charges in Minnesota apply in cases where an assault results in substantial bodily harm to the victim.

Investigation and Prosecution

The Anoka County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation into the incident.

The case was prosecuted by the office of Keith Ellison, following a formal referral from Brad Johnson. The referral was made under Minnesota Statutes Section 8.01, which authorizes the Attorney General to assist or assume prosecution upon request from a county attorney.

In a statement, Ellison’s office indicated it will continue to support local jurisdictions in prosecuting violent offenses, including those occurring within correctional facilities.

Sentencing

The court imposed an 18-month prison sentence, reflecting the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the assault. Public records do not specify whether the sentence will run concurrently or consecutively with any existing incarceration.

Context

Assaults within correctional facilities are subject to criminal prosecution when they meet statutory thresholds for bodily harm. Cases involving fractures or other significant injuries are typically charged at higher felony levels due to the degree of harm inflicted.

Bottom line: The sentencing concludes a felony assault case stemming from a 2024 inmate-on-inmate incident, with state prosecutors securing a prison term after a formal referral from Anoka County authorities.

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