FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 6, 2026)- Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today a conviction from the AG’s Louisville-based Violent Crime Reduction Team. His Office secured prison time for a man responsible for a violent attack on another inmate.
On Wednesday, a Jefferson County Jury convicted Jacob Burnett, 43, of Strangulation First Degree, a Class C felony and Assault Fourth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor. The jury also found Burnett guilty of being a Persistent Felony Offender First Degree. In May 2022, while incarcerated at Louisville Metro Corrections, Burnett, began punching another inmate, who had been lying in a bunk. Later, using a sheet, Burnett then strangled the same inmate. Even after other inmates intervened, Burnett continued his brutal attack. He stomped repeatedly on the inmate’s face, resulting in multiple fractures and lacerations. The attack appeared to be unprovoked.
The Defendant had also been indicted on Persistent Felony Offender First Degree. The jury found Burnett guilty on all counts and recommended a 15-year sentence.
“This Defendant has a violent criminal history and this sentence sends a clear message that violent acts committed while in custody will be prosecuted and punished. The law protects everyone, including our courageous corrections professionals and incarcerated individuals themselves,” said Attorney General Coleman.
Louisville Metro Corrections investigated the case. Assistant Attorneys General Critt Cunningham and Hammad Khan prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.
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An additional case against Burnett is pending.