NEWS RELEASE
August 31, 2023
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman states that there was an incident in the jail during video
arraignments on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that deputies were attempting to take an inmate out of the video
arraignment room and the inmate refused. Deputies gave the inmate multiple verbal commands, yet he still refused. As the deputies were attempting to remove him from the room, moving him towards the booking area, he continued to refuse and resist. The inmate assaulted both deputies, punching them both in the face.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that both deputies were taken to Southern Ohio Medical Center to be treated for their injuries. The injuries included a broken nose (one deputy), lacerations to lips and face, a hand injury and possible concussions. Both deputies were treated and released for these injuries.
Detectives responded to the jail and the hospital to investigate the incident, conducting interviews and the collecting evidence.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated the investigation resulted in the inmate being charged with additional charges.
Arrested was Michael A Swords, age 42, of 2930 Smith Branch Road Greenup, Ky. Swords has been charged with two counts of Felonious Assault on a Police Officer, a felony of the 1nd degree. Swords was already being held on Burglary, a felony of the 2nd degree, two counts of Tampering with Evidence, a felony of the 3rd degree, Theft of Firearms, a felony of the 3rd degree, Having Weapons Under Disability, a felony of the 3rd degree, Breaking & Entering, a felony of the 5th degree, Grand Theft Auto, a felony of the 4th degree, Theft, a felony of the 5th degree, and Making a False Report, a felony of the 5th degree. Swords is currently being held in the Scioto County jail on a $160.000.00 bond and will appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Friday, September 1, 2023 for these new charges.