A Clermont County Jail corrections officer faces two felony charges after he allegedly beat a 63-year-old inmate in a cell on July 7.

Clermont County Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve announced Tuesday, Sept. 15, that a grand jury indicted Matthew E. Mullenix, 35, on two counts of second-degree felonious assault. Each count carries two to eight years in prison. The Clermont County Jail houses inmates from across the county, including Loveland and Milford residents.

The charges stem from an incident at approximately 3:29 p.m. on July 7. Mullenix entered the inmate's cell after the inmate had a shirt wrapped around his neck, according to the Clermont County Sheriff's Office. The shirt was quickly removed. Mullenix then allegedly struck the inmate repeatedly, causing significant injuries.

Body-camera footage from the incident shows Mullenix saying the inmate was "playing around" with the shirt before throwing the inmate onto the bed, WLWT reported. Court records cited by WLWT identify the inmate as 63 years old.

The Clermont County Sheriff's Investigative Unit reviewed the body-camera footage, witness interviews, incident reports, training records and medical records. The Clermont County Prosecutor's Office then retained an outside consultant who specializes in use-of-force cases and excessive-force determinations. That consultant determined the force Mullenix used was unnecessary, unreasonable and inconsistent with department policy, according to the Clermont Sun.

The Sheriff's Office placed Mullenix on administrative leave July 9, two days after the incident.

"Let me be clear: no one in this office is above the law … We will look at the facts, follow the evidence, and take appropriate action," Sheriff Chris Stratton said in a statement, as WCPO reported.

Prosecutor Tekulve said his office would hold law enforcement accountable and ensure fair, thorough investigations.

Mullenix was scheduled for arraignment Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. at the Clermont County Common Pleas Courthouse. No attorney for Mullenix has been identified in public records, and no plea has been entered as of the indictment announcement.

Residents with questions about the case can contact the Clermont County Prosecutor's Office at 513-732-7313.