A man already serving time at a Minnesota correctional facility is now facing a new felony charge after investigators say he attacked another inmate at the Anoka County Jail late last year, knocking the victim unconscious and causing multiple facial fractures.
Surveillance Video Captures the Assault
According to the criminal complaint filed in Anoka County District Court, the incident took place on December 6, 2024, inside the Anoka County Jail. Jail staff reported that inmate Jaylan Lavone Black, 28, allegedly punched another inmate—identified only as K.E.J.—multiple times in the head and face during a brief but violent confrontation.
Surveillance footage from the jail showed K.E.J. approaching Black and engaging in a short verbal exchange. Seconds later, Black began striking him repeatedly. The video showed the victim collapsing to the ground as Black raised his hands and complied with officers’ orders to stand down.
Jail staff quickly intervened and secured both inmates without further incident.
Victim Sustains Severe Injuries
Medical records included in the investigation documented “multiple facial fractures,” including a fractured orbital bone and fractured left zygomatic arch. The victim was transported for medical care and later told investigators he regained consciousness only after staff began questioning his condition.
When interviewed by detectives, K.E.J. stated he had confronted Black because he believed Black had “snitched” to jail staff. He reportedly told Black, “I don’t f*** with you,” before losing memory of the attack.
Defendant Admits to Punching Victim
Detectives interviewed Black the following day. According to the complaint, he admitted to striking the other inmate, stating that he “knocked him out.”
Black told investigators he had recently alerted jail staff about inmates possessing fentanyl—a move that may have made him a target among others in custody. He said the presence of fentanyl disturbed him because his younger brother struggles with addiction, and he had been trying to “turn over a new leaf.”
He also mentioned being under emotional strain at the time, citing distress over his mother’s hospitalization.
Felony Charge Filed
Prosecutors have charged Black with Assault in the Third Degree—Substantial Bodily Harm, a felony under Minnesota Statute 609.223, subdivision 1. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine if convicted.
At the time of the assault, Black was already in custody at the Anoka County Jail. He is currently incarcerated at the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Moose Lake on unrelated offenses, with a projected release date of December 8, 2027.
A judge set bail at $40,000 and ordered that Black remain detained pending future court proceedings.
Jail Violence Under Scrutiny
The assault is one of several inmate-on-inmate incidents under review by county and state correctional officials this year. While serious assaults within county jails are relatively uncommon, recent cases have prompted renewed discussion about safety measures for both staff and inmates.
The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office stated in the complaint that investigators reviewed video footage, interviewed witnesses, and verified medical documentation before submitting the case for prosecution.
Black remains in state custody awaiting further court action on the Anoka County charge.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based solely on verified facts contained in an Anoka County District Court criminal complaint filed October 14, 2025.
