Joseph “Jo Bean” Hunter Apologizes After Jail Beating of Corrections Officers, $1M Bond Set [VIDEO]

Joseph “Jo Bean” Hunter, 38, has publicly apologized after being seen in a viral video beating corrections officers at the Trumbull Correctional Institution (TCI). A $1 million bond has been set as Hunter now faces two counts of felonious assault, according to court records.

Hunter appeared in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, where prosecutors outlined the new charges stemming from the jail incident. He is already serving a 32-year sentence for involuntary manslaughter, attempted murder, felonious assault, and aggravated robbery, all first-degree felonies.

The incident reportedly began after a female corrections officer approached Hunter and initiated a verbal altercation, which escalated into a physical confrontation captured on video. The footage has circulated widely online, drawing strong and divided reactions from the public.

Following the incident, Hunter released a lengthy public statement apologizing to the officers involved—identified as Miss Dill and Miss Gnarly—as well as their families and TCI. In his message, Hunter said:

“No woman or human being should have to go through something like that… I just want to make things right by asking Miss Dill and Miss Gnarly for forgiveness.”

Hunter also described past trauma while incarcerated, alleging he was stabbed nine times while handcuffed during a prior incident and claimed officers failed to protect him. He said the experience left him with PTSD and other mental health issues, and that being maced during the recent confrontation triggered a blackout and a fight-or-flight response.

“When Miss Bill maced me I blacked out… I felt like once again I was fighting for my life,” Hunter wrote, adding that he did not intend to disrespect anyone.

Hunter said he released the video publicly because he fears the consequences of losing his trial, stating there is a chance he could die in prison. He concluded by saying he is seeking forgiveness, believes he has been forgiven by God, and will continue to fight for his freedom.

The case remains pending, and the outcome will be determined in court.