Press Release

Jury Convicts Prisoner for Assaulting a Correctional Officer

January 22, 2014

In September 2012, 27 year old James Coven assaulted a correctional officer while imprisoned at the Anchorage Jail Complex, resulting in multiple fractures to the officer’s jaw, a fractured nose, multiple broken teeth, and a concussion. Coven was previously convicted of a double homicide in 2012 and was serving out his 199 year sentence when the assault occurred. Following a one week trial and short deliberation, the jury convicted Coven of assault in the first degree and assault in the second degree on January 21, 2014.

The incident arose when the correctional officer denied Coven’s request to make a phone call and ordered Coven back to his cell. Instead of going back to his cell, Coven punched the officer in the head, causing the officer to fall to the ground. Coven then repeatedly kicked the officer until other officers arrived. The officer had to be taken to the hospital and treated for multiple injuries.

The court scheduled Coven’s sentencing for April 2, 2014.

CONTACT: Deputy District Attorney Clint Campion @ (907) 269-6300 at the Anchorage District Attorney’s Office.

Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.