Atlanta Inmate Sentenced for Headbutting Federal Officer

ATLANTA – Fabian Taylor, Jr., 38, of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, has been sentenced to an additional year and four months in federal prison for assaulting a correctional officer while serving time at the Federal Correctional Institution in Atlanta. He will also serve three years of supervised release following his sentence.

Taylor was already serving time for unlawfully possessing a firearm, violating conditions of release, and escaping custody. According to court records, correctional officers noticed Taylor had covered the window on his cell door with paper. When officers approached to investigate, Taylor threw urine at one officer. During the ensuing struggle, Taylor swung his arms and kicked, and then headbutted a federal officer in the face.

The injured officer suffered headaches, dizziness, vomiting, sleepiness, and was later diagnosed with a concussion.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg emphasized, “Corrections officers have a demanding job, and they must be allowed to perform their duties free of violent attacks. Inmates are not beyond the reach of the law and may not perpetrate assaults with impunity while in custody.” FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown added, “Every day, corrections officers go to work not knowing what dangers they may face. The FBI stands ready to investigate such crimes against federal officers and we thank our law enforcement partners for their collaboration.”

Taylor had pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer on July 31, 2025. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Boylan and investigated by the FBI.