Inmate convicted after seriously injuring Wasco State Prison corrections officer

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Jose Carrasco, 27, was convicted of four counts, including assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury and three counts of battery on a correctional officer at the Wasco State Prison on June 6.

The convictions stem from an incident involving Carrasco and several corrections officers at the prison facility on July 22, 2022.

The Kern County District Attorney's Office says after approaching a correctional officer to ask for toilet paper, Carrasco attacked him by punching him in the face and nose. Carrasco then pushed the officer inside an office and locked the door behind them.

Carrasco continued to punch the officer in the face, head and upper torso, all while keeping his back against the door to prevent other officers from entering. Officers unlocked the door but Carrasco used his bodyweight to keep it shut.

He attacked two more officers when they forced their way into the office but was eventually detained.

The initial officer injured his hand, back and suffered a broken nose and face. Those injuries caused severe breathing problems, extensive bleeding and required surgery.

When this happened, Carrasco had only spent a week as an inmate.

Carrasco was sentenced to the Department of Corrections last year for robbery and also has another robbery conviction stemming from 2015. Both crimes – each considered violent felonies – were committed in Los Angeles County.

Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said sentences will be prolonged for imprisoned inmates who continue to commit violent acts.

“Inmates that continue to commit violent crimes despite being incarcerated in prison will be prosecuted and their sentences extended,” Zimmer said in a statement. “Carrasco, who had already been convicted of two prior ‘strike’ offenses, committed yet another violent crime while in prison. He is eligible for a third-strike life sentence that will protect the public from additional harm at his hands.”

Carrasco is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 2 at 8:30 a.m. at the Kern County Superior Court. He was initially set to be released from prison in 2024, but could now face up to 48 years to life in prison.