Metro-east jail guards attacked by man who faked an illness, sheriff says

A Waterloo man who was being held in the Monroe County Jail awaiting a mental fitness to stand trial has since been charged with faking an illness and attacking two guards.

Two correctional officers were injured but have since returned to duty, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department announced Tuesday.

Christopher T. McGee, 45, was charged on June 24 with two counts of aggravated battery to a peace/correctional officer, according to a news release from the sheriff’s department.

McGee has been ordered to remain in custody.

A guard on routine patrol on June 15 saw a man “lying unresponsive on the floor of his cell.

“Upon entering the cell to render aid, the officer was suddenly attacked by the inmate, who had deliberately staged the medical emergency to lure staff into the cell,” the news release stated. “Despite the surprise assault, the officer was able to restrain the inmate until additional assistance arrived and assisted in securing the situation.”

One officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment, while the second received medical attention at a later time.

McGee was previously charged with criminal trespass to a residence and a “bona fide doubt” was raised about his fitness to stand trial, according to county court records

Dr. Daniel Cuneo, a forensic psychologist, was ordered by a judge on June 5 to examine McGee.

A fitness hearing for McGee is scheduled for Thursday at the Monroe County Courthouse.

“This incident highlights the daily risks correctional officers face in maintaining safety and order within correctional facilities — risks that often go unrecognized by the public,” according to the sheriff’s department statement.