February 24, 2026 I Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman R. Wheeler announced today that John Jarrott, 40, was found guilty by a Lordsburg jury for attempting to strangle and beat Inmate Aaron Contreras. The jury convicted Jarrott on: Count 1: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, 4th Degree Felony. This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Hector Bejarano and District Attorney Norman Wheeler.
On July 24, 2023, Lordsburg police responded to report of an incident between two inmates at the Hidalgo County Detention Center. The victim stated that Jarrott came up behind him, wrapped a string around his neck, attempting to strangle him. He fought back with Jarrott biting him. The victim then fled from one portion of the prison pod to another where defendant assaulted him with a broom handle, battering his head and shoulders. The victim received a large gash to his head, requiring several stitches.
Jarrott is currently in prison on probation violation for cases involving aggravated assault upon a police officer, Aggravated battery, child abuse and other charges. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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