Prisoner convicted of assaulting another inmate

By Linda Cicoira

     An Accomack Jail prisoner, who was videotaped while leaning over another inmate and repeatedly hitting him in the head, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding Thursday in the county circuit court.

    Thirty-one-year-old Shaquille Jordan Gaskins, of Seaside Road in Melfa,

was sentenced to five years in prison. Half of the term was suspended, leaving him with 2.5 years of active time to serve for causing $6,000 worth of dental damage to the victim, Edward Rousch of Painter, on July 8, 2024. The incident occurred on the jail’s H Block at about 5:15 a.m. that day.

     “You keep disrespecting me,” Gaskins could be heard saying. “I’m done playing with you. … If you were on the street, you’d be shot,” he continued.

    According to court records, “Rausch postured himself in a defensive manner but did not appear to strike back.” The incident ended with Gaskins standing up and a third inmate lightly pushing the defendant away. 

     Commonwealth’s Attorney Spencer Morgan said Rousch was hit about 10 times. The prosecutor quoted a cellmate who said, “One hit would have sent the message.”

     Upon release, Gaskins will be on supervised probation and good behavior for five years. Morgan said he offered a plea bargain so Gaskins could be held liable for restitution, which he must pay through the court or serve the remaining portion of the sentence. Gaskins was also ordered to have no contact with the victim.

     The charges for which Rousch was being held were dismissed or not prosecuted.