A correctional officer at the Somerset Correctional Institute has been accused of punching an inmate that was restrained. 38 year old Ryan Whitacre of Garrett is facing numerous charges including aggravated assault with attempt to cause serious body injury. Reportedly, Whitacre punched the inmate ten times while the inmate was restrained, after the inmate allegedly spit on the officer. Whitacre was arraigned yesterday and released on $50,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is set for April 4th.
