Information on 3 of 5 Monroe Reformatory alleged assault cases released

The Monroe Reformatory and the Monroe Police Department have released some information about three of five alleged assaults inside the prison last year that police detectives were asked to investigate.

In at least two of the five cases, the alleged victims were women.

The Seattle Times asked about the cases in the wake of Saturday's strangling of corrections officer Jayme Biendl. Inmate Byron Scherf, serving a life sentence for his third rape conviction, is the prime suspect in her death.

On Aug. 24, a custodian said an inmate touched her offensively, then ran off, said prison Superintendent Scott Frakes.

"She was very distressed, and rightfully so," Frakes said.

The suspect was segregated but has not yet been disciplined because the investigation is not over. The woman returned to work sometime last month.

On Sept. 24, a chemical-dependency counselor said an inmate put his hands on or around her neck but she was able to run from the room, Frakes said. The case was referred from Monroe police to the Snohomish County prosecutor, but it was eventually dropped and no charges were filed. Frakes said he has asked the prosecutor to re-evaluate the case.

On Nov. 10, a male corrections officer was allegedly charged, head-butted and bitten by an inmate. He was not seriously injured.

That incident and another have been sent from Monroe police to prosecutors, but no decision has been made about charges. Another case still open involves a relationship between an inmate and guard. Details about that case and one other have not yet been made available.

Statement from

Jayme Biendl's family

The family of Jayme Biendl on Thursday released this statement:

"Our family has been completely devastated by the tragic death of our beloved sister and daughter, Jayme Biendl. The magnitude of our loss cannot be put into words. Our hearts are filled with sorrow.

"We will be focusing on our lovely memories of Jayme at this time. Jayme grew up and lived in Granite Falls all of her life. She played softball growing up and spent many summers on family fishing trips. She was a caring and loving sister, a wonderful, responsible daughter and a great friend to us all. She loved to cook, loved her horses, and loved her family and all of her friends most of all. We will miss her beautiful smile, sparkling eyes and her positive attitude. She was a genuine loving caring person. She would be the first to give everything and expect nothing in return. Jayme would never judge somebody by their possessions or appearance but by the person underneath.

"She was in every sense of the word a real sweetheart. We all loved Jayme so very much and will miss her every day of our lives. There is an enormous void in our lives that will never be filled.

"On behalf of Jayme's family, we wanted to thank law enforcement and the entire community for their outpouring of support during this tragic time in our lives. We appreciate all that has been done to help us and would like to request that the family's privacy be respected through this horrible ordeal."

Source: Everett Police Department