Deputy injured following jail assault

NEWARK – A Licking County Sheriff’s Office deputy was injured earlier this week after he was assaulted at the Licking County Justice Center.

Deputy Tim Slone is on medical leave recovering from his injuries, Jail Captain Tom Brown said.

According to court records, 22-year-old Levi P. Felumlee, last known address 41 Wilkins St. Rear, Newark, assaulted Slone, causing serious injury.

Brown said Slone was on duty monitoring inmates on suicide watch on July 28, where Felumlee was being housed, when the assault occurred.

At least one punch was thrown and Slone “had obvious injuries to his face,” including his eye area, court records show.

There was a second deputy on duty in the area who was able to assist Slone, Brown said.

“We had no sign the inmate was to the point that he was going to assault an officer,” Brown said.

Slone was taken to the hospital and has since been released, Brown said. He suffered a broken Zygomatic bone in his face, according to court records.

The incident was reportedly captured on security cameras in the module. Court records indicate other inmates and jail personnel in the area reported Felumlee assaulted Slone.

Slone has worked at the sheriff’s office since 2001 and had no prior issues with Felumlee, Brown said.

Felumlee has been charged with felonious assault on a police officer, a first-degree felony. He is being housed at Twin Valley Hospital.

Felumlee had been incarcerated for an unrelated misdemeanor domestic violence case. On the day of the assault, his attorney on the misdemeanor case filed a motion for a mental health evaluation to be performed, according to court records.

Brown said Felumlee had been placed on disciplinary custody status a few days prior to his alleged assault on Slone for a verbal altercation with another inmate.