A Sweet Springs man was found guilty of assault in the first degree on April 24, 2024.

According to Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Timothy Thompson, 45-year-old Robert Donnell was found guilty by a Saline County jury for events that took place in October 2022. The assault took place inside a jail cell where Donnell and the victim were in custody for other matters. As a result of the assault, the victim suffered serious physical injuries which included multiple fractures to his skull.

Co-Defendent Jeffery Smith pleaded guilty and was sentenced in 2023 for his role in the assault. Donnell is scheduled for a sentencing hearing at 2 p.m. June 10 before Circuit judge Dennis Rolf.

The case was investigated by the Saline County Sheriff’s Department.