Former MDOC Officer Arraigned for Alleged Role in Assault of Fellow Corrections Officer

Baraga County, Michigan. A former Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) corrections officer has been arraigned on a felony charge after allegedly opening a prison cell door, resulting in the assault of another MDOC corrections officer.

On March 28, 2026, Shelby Pennock was working in a cell block at the Baraga Correctional Facility alongside another MDOC corrections officer. While the other officer was performing a separate task, it was alleged Pennock intentionally opened an inmate’s cell door knowing that her actions would result in a physical assault on another corrections officer. After the door was
opened, the inmate immediately exited the cell and began assaulting the other corrections officer.

The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being placed in a headlock and repeatedly struck with closed-fist blows to the head and upper body before he, with the assistance of additional staff, was able to subdue the inmate. Pennock also sustained non-life- threatening injuries after the inmate assaulted her. MDOC reported the incident to the Michigan State Police (MSP) and a detective from the Calumet Post led the investigation.

After a coordinated investigation between MDOC and MSP was completed, the case was submitted to the Baraga County Prosecutor’s Office for review. Following that review, the prosecutor authorized one count of Assault of a Prison Employee against Pennock.

Charges were also sought for the inmate. Two felony charges were issued for the inmate, Assault of a Prison Employee and Prisoner- Possess Weapon. The prisoner was served the charges and remains incarcerated with the MDOC. His arraignment on these charges is still pending.

On July 14, 2026, 44-year-old Shelby Pennock was arraigned in the 97th District Court in Baraga/L’Anse on one felony count of Assault of a Prison Employee. Bond was set at $500, and her next court appearance is scheduled for August 11, 2026. Pennock is no longer employed by the MDOC. The defendants are considered innocent unless proven guilty.