Joshua Travis Rossman, a 23-year-old man from Gaston, pled guilty to Assault and Battery – First Degree yesterday in the County of Lexington for assaulting a correctional officer while in the Lexington County Detention Center on unrelated charges. Rossman was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge William P. Keesley to eight (8) years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections followed by three (3) years of probation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Bradley Young for the Solicitor’s Office.

​On January 5, 2019, while at the Detention Center, Rossman engaged in a verbal altercation with a correctional officer who was in the process of locking down the pod. Rossman subsequently strikes the officer in the face with a closed fist. In an effort to retreat, the officer leaves the area only to be pursued by Rossman who then strikes the officer again. The officer eventually falls to the ground and he is motionless. Rossman then takes the officer’s Taser and points it at another officer who was attempting to provide assistance. After a brief standoff, Rossman surrenders, but continues his aggressive behavior. Rossman was eventually placed in a restraint chair.

​The officer was transported to the Lexington Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment. He sustained serious fractures to his knee and ankle as a result of the attack. He was in the hospital for over three weeks and underwent several medical procedures. The officer has not returned to work since this assault occurred.

​Assistant Solicitor Young expressed to the Court that this incident is one of deep concern for the Lexington County Sheriff's Department due to such a serious attack on a correctional officer. During sentencing, the Sheriff’s Department and Detention Center Command Staff were present and showed their support for the injured correctional officer.

​Rossman does have a prior conviction for Assault and Battery. He will be transported to the Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.