Jul. 24--PALO PINTO -- A Mingus man was sentenced to 30 years in jail after a Palo Pinto County jury found him guilty of assaulting an officer.

"We're very pleased with the verdict," said District Attorney Michael Burns. "This verdict sends a message that we will not tolerate persons assaulting public servants. These are people who've dedicated their lives to serving the community."

Burns added that those offenders "will be dealt with severely by this office."

Palo Pinto County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a disturbance in the early hours of Jan. 10, where they encountered Kenneth Neal Ratliff, 36, at the scene. Burns explained the deputy discovered Ratliff had a warrant out on him and attempted to place the man into custody.

Ratliff punched the deputy multiple times in the chest, the district attorney explained.

The jury spent an estimated 40 minutes deliberating, returning with a 30-year sentence without assessing a fine. The charge of assaulting a public servant is normally a third-degree felony. According to Burns, Ratliff "was charged as a habitual offender" because of two prior felonies.

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Story Source: Mineral Wells Index