Inmate pleads guilty to felony assault of another inmate

An inmate at the Franklin County Jail pled guilty Wednesday to felony assault resulting from his attack of another inmate with a broom handle.

Joseph Thomas Postell, 33, pled guilty to the charge of Assault, Second Degree, a Class C felony.

While a Class C felony carries a 1-10 year prison sentence upon conviction, Postell's prior convictions enhanced the range of punishment. Postell was sentenced to a 15-year prison sentence, split to serve 30 months in custody. Postell's application for Community Corrections was denied by Circuit Judge Glenn Thompson, but Thompson told Postell he could re-apply at the end of January 2023. Thompson was appointed after Franklin County Circuit Judge Brian Hamilton recused himself due to a conflict.

While in jail on a charge of violating Alabama's sex offender registration act, Postell assaulted another inmate with a broom handle.

Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said the victim was beaten until he was unconscious. After the attack, Postell stole some of the victim's commissary items including personal effects and food.

Postell was indicted in November 2021 by a Franklin County Grand Jury on charges of Assault First Degree and Robbery Second Degree. The plea agreement called for Postell to plead to the reduced charge of Assault Second Degree. The robbery charge was dismissed.

The State of Alabama opposed Postell's request for community corrections, and Rushing said the State would oppose any future requests.

“This was a very serious crime that was violent and involved the defendant stealing from his victim,” Rushing said. “It doesn't change the law that he victim was also an inmate, and we treated the case seriously as we do all violent crimes.”