Update on Coffee County Jail Disturbance Involving Seven Inmates

EDIT 4/15/2025 11:00 PM A disturbance involving seven inmates took place at the Coffee County Jail on April 14, 2025. Initially described as a “riot,” the event was later clarified by the Sheriff’s Office as a protest tied to recent changes in inmate movement and visitation policies.

Inmates Dakota Newsom, Nicholas Beasley, Frederick Williams, Shane Cargile, Christopher Cox, James Lyon II, and Anthony Lyons climbed on top of a janitor’s closet in the day room and refused to comply with staff.

Sheriff Chad Partin responded to the scene. When verbal commands failed, short bursts from a fire hose were used to safely end the standoff. All inmates eventually came down without serious injuries.

No criminal charges are being filed, but disciplinary action may follow. The Sheriff's Office is continuing to review the incident and stated that the initial characterization of a “riot” may have overstated the situation. Sheriff Partin also stated that the Inmate's Grievances would also be addressed as appropriate. EARLIER: On Monday, The Coffee County Sheriff's Office reported that a minor riot had occurred within the Coffee County Jail. The disturbance took place in the B section of the facility and involved seven inmates, all of whom were incarcerated on serious charges ranging from felony theft to murder.

The situation required a coordinated response. As part of the effort to restore order, several control measures were employed—among them, the use of a firehose by the fire department to help subdue the inmates and regain control of the area.

The incident was brought under control without any injuries reported among inmates or jail personnel.

An investigation is currently underway to determine what sparked the disturbance.

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