JEFFERSON COUNTY — A 50-year-old inmate of the Big Muddy River Correctional Center has been charged in Jefferson County Court with alleged sexual assault of another inmate.

Wendell [Wendal] Washington is accused of sexually assaulting the other inmate who was 60-years-old at the time of the January incident.

The charges also accuse Washington of striking the victim with his fist, knowing the victim to be 60-years of age or older.

Washington was formally charged Thursday with Class X felony aggravated criminal sexual assault and Class 3 felony battery.

He is currently into his third year of an 8-year prison sentence for violation of the sex offender registry.

He previously served prison sentences for the offenses of criminal trespass to a residence, residential burglary, burglary, theft, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Washington was transferred to the maximum security prison in Pontiac following the alleged incident.