Richland County Woman Arrested for Allegedly Battering Officers

A Richland County woman has been arrested on counts of battering Jasper County Sheriff's Department deputies.

Jasper County State's Attorney Chad Miller said 21-year-old Misty Henson was arrested Monday on counts of DUI, possession of a controlled substance, and three separate counts of aggravated battery to a police officer.

Aggravated battery to a police officer is a Class 2 felony with a penalty of up to three to seven years in prison.

Authorities allege that, following an investigation into a DUI complaint in rural Jasper County, Henson became physically aggressive with officers, kicking Deputy Kurt Long in the legs, kicking Officer Adam Deckard in the face, and subsequently while at the Jasper County Jail, spitting in Deckard's face. It's also alleged that Henson possessed Oxycodone, a controlled substance, without a prescription.

Bond for Henson is set at $150,000, meaning she would have to post $15,000 to be released.

Miller commended what he termed the professional way the law enforcement officers handled the situation. Miller said, "Acts of physical violence against law enforcement, no matter how great or small, cannot be tolerated. I take the protection and safety of our local law enforcement officers very seriously, and charges and bond settings will continue to reflect that."