For the second time this week a staff member at the state penitentiary in Tecumseh, Nebraska has been assaulted by an inmate.

The prison has been placed under a modified lockdown following the two incidents.

On Sunday a case worker at the prison was assaulted by an inmate in the housing unit. The case worker suffered serious injuries including a broken jaw and ankle. The inmate has been identified as Leo Thomas. He was serving a 13-19 year sentence for robbery, assault on a police officer, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony and another assault charge.

On Wednesday another staff member was assaulted. The staff member was treated at a local hospital and released. The inmate in that assault was identified as Thomas McBride who is serving a life sentence for murder.

The prison says it is not releasing the names of the staff members at their request and their families request.

Both inmates have been placed in segregation.

Prison officials say the modified lockdown status will continue while the assaults are being investigated.