CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- A Linn County inmate has a new charge against him after authorities said he chipped a small hole through the window in his cell.
Darryl C. Tyson, 21, was charged this week with fourth-degree criminal mischief after jail staff discovered the damage Friday. He has been in jail since July, awaiting trial on burglary, robbery, theft and sexual abuse charges.
Sheriff Brian Gardner said Tyson had been placed in an administrative isolation cell on the first floor after a disciplinary issue. Tyson allegedly covered part of a surveillance camera to conceal what he was doing, and used an item to create the hole.
Once jail staff realized what Tyson was doing, they were able to review the video surveillance. Although it was partially covered, it provided enough evidence to link Tyson to the damage, Gardner said.
According to a criminal complaint, the hole was about one inch in diameter and will cost more than $200 to repair.
Gardner said officials identified the item that was used and have taken steps to make sure it doesn't happen again. He declined to be more specific for security reasons.
Based on the small size of the window, Gardner said he doesn't think it was an escape attempt.
"I think he was just trying to cause some damage," Gardner said. "My guess is that he wasn't happy that he was in there."
Tyson was arrested in July after, according to court documents, police used DNA evidence to link him to a May 5 home invasion and sexual assault in Cedar Rapids. Prosecutors allege that he broke into a home along Oakland Road NE, across from Daniels Park, and sexually assaulted an 81-year-old woman before stealing her car.
Tyson's initial appearance on the criminal mischief charge is scheduled for Jan. 3, and his trial on the more serious charges is set to begin Jan. 9.
Copyright 2011 - The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
