Robert J. "Bob" Troester U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Jerry Earnest Ballard, a 41-year-old inmate from South Carolina, has been sentenced to an additional 15 years in federal prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited object. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester in Oklahoma City. These charges stem from an incident on August 10, 2023, at the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City, where Ballard assaulted another inmate using a sharpened object.
On February 20, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count indictment against Ballard. Later, on July 17, 2024, Ballard pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting to the assault. He is currently serving a 336-month federal sentence for multiple counts of robbery and other related offenses.
U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk handed down the sentence on March 21, 2025. Judge Palk noted Ballard's history of violent behavior and emphasized the necessity for just punishment. The new sentence will be served consecutively to Ballard's existing term.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Special Investigative Service, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
