Grimes County Inmate Sentenced to 30 Years for Assaulting Deputy

Orlando Rodney James, 38, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for Assault on a Peace Officer, following his conviction by a Grimes County jury on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

The conviction stems from an incident on June 14, 2023, when a Grimes County jail deputy entered James’s separation cell to investigate why he was refusing to clean it. Upon the deputy’s entry, James reportedly stood up, clinched his fists, and confronted the deputy. When the deputy attempted to create distance, James struck him in the head with his hand. The deputy defended himself and, with the assistance of two inmate trustees, was able to exit the cell after James was restrained. The deputy sustained minor injuries.

The trial, presided over by visiting Judge J.D. Langley in the 12th District Court, began with jury empanelement on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Assistant District Attorney David Armbruster prosecuted the case. After a day of testimony and closing arguments, the jury found Orlando James guilty in under 20 minutes.

The punishment phase of the trial commenced on Thursday, December 21, 2023. The State presented evidence of James’s extensive prior felony convictions and other criminal convictions for violent offenses. Multiple Grimes County Jailers testified to James’s ongoing disciplinary issues while incarcerated, including assaultive behavior, destroying county property, masturbating in front of female employees, and general defiance towards jail staff.

After hearing the evidence and arguments, Judge Langley handed down the 30-year prison sentence. Assault on a Peace Officer is a second-degree felony, and James faced a habitual offender punishment range due to his past felony convictions.

Orlando James will remain in the Grimes County Jail awaiting transfer to prison.

“Orlando James has a violent criminal history and record of disorderly and vile behavior within the Grimes County Jail,” stated Assistant District Attorney David Armbruster. “He assaulted a jail Deputy and this week he was held accountable for his conduct. This prison sentence will not only make the community safer but also sends a clear message that someone assaulting a police officer will not be tolerated in Grimes County.”