Lawrence man sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for striking a corrections officer

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Brandon M. Frye, 30, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 122 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for one count of battery against a law enforcement officer.

Judge Sally Pokorny also sentenced Frye, who pleaded no contest on October 17, 2023, to serve 24 months on post-release supervision.

Charges stemmed from an incident on May 5, 2023, when Frye was in custody at the Douglas County Jail. Frye first struck a corrections officer with a closed fist. Frye then struck another officer when he kicked a cell door. While being moved to the maximum-security housing unit, Frye struck a third corrections officer with his forehead, injuring the officer. Frye then spit on a fourth corrections officer. The next day, Frye spit on a fifth officer who was trying to retrieve Frye’s breakfast tray.

“The public does not get to see the professionalism, commitment and courage it takes to be a corrections officer,” District Attorney Valdez said. “These officers put themselves at risk every day to help keep our community safe. Their service demands our gratitude and respect.”

Senior Assistant District Attorney Ricardo Leal represented the State in the case that was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.