An inmate originally arrested in connection with an alleged scam targeting an elderly woman is now facing eight additional felony charges following multiple incidents inside the county jail.
According to the Izard County Sheriff’s Office, 30-year-old Darren Burton was first taken into custody in November after an elderly Izard County woman reported receiving a text message claiming $19,400 had been withdrawn from her bank account. Investigators linked the report to an online scam case that remains pending in circuit court.
Authorities say while incarcerated, Burton allegedly caused extensive damage inside the detention facility during incidents on February 6 and 7. Officials report he threw liquids and debris at staff, damaged cell fixtures, broke a fire sprinkler head causing flooding, shattered a window, and later attempted to escape from his cell.
During one incident, a jailer was reportedly knocked down and required treatment at an emergency room. Law enforcement estimates damage to jail property and equipment exceeds $1,000, including a medication device described as destroyed beyond repair.
Burton now faces eight felony charges and three misdemeanors related to the jail incidents, including assault, criminal mischief, escape-related offenses, theft of property, and impairing the operation of a vital public facility.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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