By Staff Report
A man who attempted to disarm a deputy and then bit him on the head during the SolFest music festival has been sentenced to six years in prison, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
James Michael Anderson, 37, of Westville, pleaded guilty to aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and was adjudicated guilty. Holmes County Circuit Court Judge Russell Roberts sentenced him to six years in prison, followed by 10 years of felony probation.
The incident occurred on May 5, 2024, at the festival, which took place in Ponce de Leon. According to investigators, Anderson attempted to pull a deputy’s firearm from its holster before attacking him. He then bit the deputy’s head, inflicting a wound that exposed the skull. Prosecutors stated that Anderson later remarked about having hair in his teeth.
Holmes County Chief Prosecutor Jacob Cook emphasized the severity of the attack.
“Violence against our local law enforcement officers will not be tolerated, and criminals who engage in such acts will be held accountable,” Cook said. “This is the most severe bite wound I have ever seen in my career as a prosecutor, and this defendant is going to spend the next several years in prison paying for his violent actions.”
Cook confirmed that the deputy has recovered from his injuries but sustained significant scarring. He remains employed with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office.
Prosecutors were prepared to present evidence at trial demonstrating that the deputy was providing security at SolFest, which attracted approximately 10,000 attendees over the weekend, when the unprovoked attack occurred.
State Attorney Larry Basford commended the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office for its work on the case and its management of the event’s large crowd.
GARETT VALCOURT 
Hannah Collins 