Brent Swadley Jail Assault Leads to Charge Against Oklahoma Inmate
Brent Swadley Jail Assault Leads to Criminal Charge Against Grady County Inmate
An inmate at the Grady County Detention Center in Chickasha has been charged with assault and battery following an alleged attack on Oklahoma restaurateur Brent Swadley, who is awaiting sentencing after his conviction in a high-profile fraud case. Edwin DeMarco Johnson, 43, was formally charged on October 8, 2026, in connection with the September incident.
The Brent Swadley jail assault reportedly occurred on September 9, when Johnson allegedly attacked the 56-year-old restaurant owner after demanding money and commissary items. Swadley, the owner of Swadley's Bar-B-Q, had been transferred to the Grady County facility from the Oklahoma County jail in July because of concerns about his safety.
Brent Swadley Jail Assault Followed Demands for Money
According to an affidavit filed in Grady County District Court, Johnson allegedly demanded that Swadley provide him with money, commissary supplies and assistance paying his bond.
When Swadley refused, Johnson reportedly confronted him, asking, "Don't you wish you paid my bond?" before repeatedly punching him.
Swadley suffered a raised lump on his forehead, bruising and scratches across his face and chest. The injuries were documented following the alleged attack.
Swadley's defense attorneys first disclosed the incident during a September 11 court hearing, explaining that the assault occurred as they were arriving at the detention center to meet with their client.
Grady County Prosecutor Files Misdemeanor Assault Charge
Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks confirmed that investigators initially considered pursuing an extortion charge against Johnson because of the alleged demands for money and commissary items.
However, prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to support the felony allegation. Johnson was instead charged with misdemeanor assault and battery.
Johnson had been held at the Grady County Detention Center since July on unrelated misdemeanor allegations involving public intoxication, disturbing the peace and obstructing an officer.
According to reporting by News 9, Johnson also has a criminal history that includes a 2004 conviction for child sexual abuse.
Swadley Remains in Custody Awaiting Fraud Sentencing
The alleged assault comes as Swadley continues to face legal consequences following his May 28, 2026, fraud conviction.
Swadley was denied an appeal bond in July, and the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals unanimously upheld that decision in September, leaving him in custody while awaiting sentencing.
His attorneys had previously raised concerns about his safety in detention, which prompted his transfer to Grady County.
The new assault case is separate from Swadley's fraud proceedings. Johnson is presumed innocent of the assault charge unless proven guilty in court.
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