A Lake County Jail Inmate has been charged with multiple counts of aggravated battery to a correctional officer along with other charges, stemming from an attack on a correctional officer.
On January 3, 2025, a correctional officer was conducting his rounds in a jail pod when he noticed an inmate, Raymond L. Smith, 46, of the 2300 block of Gabriel Avenue, Zion, who is being held on homicide charges, had an excessive number of books from the library in his cell. The officer informed Smith that he could keep five books but needed to return the rest to the book checkout area.
Smith became enraged and clenched his fists. The correctional officer backed out of Smith’s cell and called over the radio to report a disruptive inmate in his pod. Smith then lunged at the officer, striking him in the face multiple times with closed fists. At one point during the incident, Smith attempted to choke the correctional officer. The officer was able to create distance and used pepper spray on Smith, causing him to retreat to his cell.
Additional personnel responded, and Smith was transported to the jail’s maximum-security pod.
The correctional officer sustained several contusions and lacerations. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and released. Demonstrating exceptional dedication to his duty, the officer returned to work the following day.
Sheriff’s detectives reviewed the incident and worked with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, which approved the following charges against Smith:

• Three counts of aggravated battery to a correctional officer.
• Resisting a correctional officer causing injury.
• Resisting a correctional employee.