Tyson Is Sent to Solitary for Making Threat

Mike Tyson, former heavyweight boxing champion, has lost his first major fight with the Indiana prison system. Tyson has been sent to solitary confinement for threatening a staff member at the Indiana Youth Center, where he is serving a six-year sentence for rape.

Tyson’s attorney, Alan Dershowitz, said the boxer had feared being set up for such a confrontation.

Correction Department spokesman Kevin Moore said Tyson was transferred Monday night to the disciplinary unit at the Indiana Youth Center in Plainfield, 15 miles west of Indianapolis.

Tyson threatened a guard with bodily harm, Moore said. Later, after receiving an unidentified visitor, Tyson was taken to the office of a guard supervisor and made more threats, Moore said.

Tyson must receive a disciplinary hearing within five days, and could receive extra work, restricted privileges, up to 12 months in the disciplinary unit and less credit toward time off for good behavior.

The incident was revealed by a prisoner, James Bell Yager, who called the Associated Press. Yager, who is serving 42 years for embezzlement and forgery, had accused prison officials of giving Tyson special treatment. Prison officials say that Yager’s statements about Tyson have not always been accurate.