CORTLAND, NY (CortacaToday) – A Cortland man accused of attacking a corrections officer has been convicted.

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, 51-year-old Drahcir Parson was found guilty of felony assault and felony criminal mischief. Cortland County District Attorney Patrick Perfetti says in November 2022, Parson was found to be tampering with a light fixture in his cell at the Cortland County Jail. He was trying to pry the cover off with his toothbrush, and, when he was ordered to stop became combative.

When staff attempted to subdue Parson, a physical altercation ensued. According to the D.A.’s office, Parson punched a corrections officer several times in the face and head and took him to the ground, twice trying to gouge at an eye of the officer. The officer injured his elbow during the takedown. Parson ultimately was pepper-sprayed in the incident.

“I’m gratified that the jury was able to see this case for what it was,” said D.A. Patrick Perfetti. “As a community we cannot have corrections officers assaulted in our county jail without accountability.”

Parson’s legal team has until December 4 to file any post-conviction motions. His sentencing is scheduled for January 16, 2025.

Parson faces up to 7 years in state prison on the assault charge, and as many as 4 years on the criminal mischief charge.