Inmate denies guilt after assault on prison guard

A Springfield prison inmate could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on charges related to an alleged assault on a correctional officer.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100415/NEWS02/4150394/1003/NEWS02       # # # # Inmate denies guilt after assault on prison guard  •  Rutland Herald  •  By Josh O'Gorman STAFF WRITER - Published: April 15, 2010  •  WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A Springfield prison inmate could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on charges related to an alleged assault on a correctional officer.  •  Gene F. Quick, 27, pleaded innocent Tuesday in White River Junction District Court to a felony charge of simple assault on a correctional officer, second offense. By itself, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, but the state has filed notice of its intent to seek an enhanced penalty of up to life in prison because of Quick's criminal history.  •  The state can seek an enhanced penalty when the defendant has at least three prior felony convictions. Quick has six felony convictions: two for assaulting correctional officers — including one conviction in January — as well as two counts of cocaine delivery and counts of aggravated assault and retail theft.  •  According to affidavits filed with the court, on Feb. 2, Quick approached correctional officer Andrew E. Thibault and asked for permission to use the telephone. Thibault told Quick he could use the phone after Thibault finished delivering food to cell-bound prisoners, and as he opened the food chute on one of the cell doors, Quick charged at him.  •  According to affidavits, Quick raised his handcuffed hands over his head and swung at Thibault, catching him in the jaw and causing him pain, records state. Thibault quickly wrestled Quick to the floor and was assisted by his fellow correctional officers in returning Quick to his cell, records state.  •  Quick's motivation for assaulting Thibault remains unclear. Thibault was left with a mark on his face, while a medical examination showed Quick was not injured, according to affidavits. He remains in Springfield prison  •