Corrections Officers Charged in Prison Pepper Ball Case
Two officers face charges following a March 2026 incident at High Desert State Prison in Indian Springs.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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State prosecutors filed criminal charges in Las Vegas Justice Court against two corrections officers accused of using unnecessary force against a restrained inmate. The case stems from a March 16, 2026, incident at High Desert State Prison involving a pepper ball shot.
Why it matters
The charges raise questions regarding the use of force protocols within the state's prison system and the oversight of inmates housed 40 miles outside the Las Vegas Valley. Public records now indicate that the legal proceedings in Las Vegas Justice Court will examine the alleged actions of these officers.
The criminal complaint filed in September 2026 covers multiple counts, including inhumanity to a prisoner, against two officers. The incident occurred at a facility approximately 40 miles from Las Vegas.
The players
Jocelyn Jimenez
A corrections officer charged with battery and falsification of records.
Jami De Sena
A corrections officer facing charges including conspiracy to commit battery and oppression.
Darnell Garnett
An inmate serving a sentence for robbery who was allegedly struck by a pepper ball.
The details
Jocelyn Jimenez and Jami De Sena were charged after allegedly shooting inmate Darnell Garnett, who was handcuffed and compliant at the time. Prosecutors allege De Sena ordered the action, which Jimenez carried out while the two officers were escorting the inmate. The case is now pending in the Las Vegas Justice Court system.
Timeline
Darnell Garnett began serving a six to 15-year sentence for robbery in 2018.
The alleged pepper ball shooting occurred on March 16, 2026.
Criminal complaints were filed in Las Vegas Justice Court in September 2026.
Beyond the Strip
This case applies the state's prohibition against oppression under color of office to conduct within the corrections system. It repeats the pattern of state-level oversight intervention in incidents occurring at facilities like High Desert State Prison.
Residents should note that this case marks a shift in how state-level prison incidents are being prosecuted in local courts. Future hearings at the Las Vegas Justice Court will determine the timeline for the trial.
The takeaway
The case highlights the state's scrutiny of correctional officer conduct in rural facilities. Residents can monitor upcoming filings in the Las Vegas Justice Court to follow the progression of these criminal proceedings.
Further reading
For broader trends in regional oversight, see Criminal Justice.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
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