A Jonesboro woman has been charged with second-degree battery following a series of altercations with jail staff in Clay County, according to local authorities.
Clay County Sheriff Ronnie Cole said the incidents involved Stephanie Ann Riggins, who was initially charged with third-degree assault for an unrelated case. While in custody, Riggins allegedly attacked jailers on two separate occasions, leading to additional charges.
The first incident occurred on Saturday, Oct. 10, around 2:30 p.m., as a jailer escorted Riggins to her cell. Sheriff Cole stated Riggins resisted, pushing the jailer and grabbing the back of her head. The situation escalated when Riggins allegedly grabbed the jailer’s chin and throat. A second jailer intervened to assist, and the first sustained soreness in their neck and shoulder as a result of the encounter.
Riggins appeared before District Court Judge Curtis Hitt on Tuesday, Oct. 13, who set her bond at $75,000.
Later that day, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Riggins reportedly refused to reenter her cell, according to Sheriff Cole's statement on the department's social media page. She then allegedly attacked two female jailers, grabbing one by the hair and face. A third jailer stepped in after witnessing the struggle to restrain Riggins. The attacker reportedly refused to release one jailer’s hair for a short time, resulting in minor facial and neck injuries, including scratches.
Both incidents added to the charges Riggins now faces for assaulting law enforcement and correctional personnel. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized the seriousness of these actions and their impact on law enforcement staff.