The Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announces today that KURTIS BIGGERSTAFF, DOB: 08/26/1983 from Hollister, MO plead guilty on January 17th to the class A felony of assault in the first degree for events occuring at the Taney County Jail on May 27, 2007. KURTIS BIGGERSTAFF, along with four other individuals jumped an inmate and beat and kicked him while he was immobile on the ground. The victim suffered broken ribs, a pelvic fracture and some internal bleeding from the assault. With the plea agreement, KURTIS BIGGERSTAFF has been sentenced to ten (10) years in the Department of Corrections for his involvement in this incident.

The four other individuals still remain charged in connection with this event. The class A felony of assault in the first degree carries a range of punishment of ten (10) to thirty (30) years, or life imprisonment. Please be advised that the charges filed against the other defendants are merely accusations and the other defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.