Public defender attacked by detainee at Cook County Jail, sheriff says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A detainee has been arrested after attacking an assistant Cook County public defender at the jail, Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart said.

Jimmie Smith, 39, who is housed at Division 9 of the jail, attacked one of his two public defenders as they concluded a visit with their client Wednesday afternoon. Smith was handcuffed during the visit, police said.

Correctional officers immediately took custody of Smith, tended to the attorney's injuries and called 911.

The injured attorney was taken to an area hospital for treatment of what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

Smith is being held without bond at Cook County Jail. His current charges are aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault and two counts of bringing contraband into a penal institution.

The Cook County Sheriff's office is investigating and said additional charges against Smith are pending.