Injured jailer undergoes facial surgery in Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS — A Davison County jailer who was attacked by an inmate Tuesday reportedly underwent facial surgery Friday.

Corrections Officer James Dietz suffered a broken jaw, right cheekbone and orbital bone, as well as a split lower lip, according to an email he sent to a friend, who provided it to The Daily Republic.

The surgery was to be performed at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in Sioux Falls, according to the email. James Peacock, of Mitchell, brought a photo of Dietz and a print-out of the email Friday afternoon to The Daily Republic.

In the email, Dietz said he was scheduled for surgery to repair the damage to his face. He received 12 stitches for his split lip.

Dietz said he was knocked unconscious when he was attacked. He was initially treated at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital.

Davison County Jail Administrator Don Radel said Dietz caught two inmates “fishing,” or passing objects between cells or pods.

When Dietz entered an open pod door to take the material used to pass the items back and forth, the male inmate, whose name has not been released, attacked him, striking him repeatedly in the face.

The attack continued outside the pod before another jailer stopped it by threatening to use a Taser on the inmate, who has since been placed in “disciplinary lockdown,” meaning his movements are restricted.

Davison County Deputy State’s Attorney Bob O’Keefe said no charges have been filed.

“The investigation is ongoing,” O’Keefe said.

The inmate who reportedly attacked Dietz is being held on another charge, he said.

Dietz has been a part-time Davison County jailer who previously worked as a Clay County jailer.

In his email, he said he would welcome visitors at the hospital.

His family and friends, as well as current and former coworkers with the Davison and Clay counties sheriffs’ offices, and the Clay County Ambulance Service, have visited and helped him, he said in the email.

“It has been a long and painful last few days, and it will be a long recovery period, but having the support from you all helps me tremendously,” he said.

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