A Halifax County jail inmate was charged with malicious conduct by a prisoner after he allegedly spat on a detention center officer Tuesday.

Detective H.L. Williams of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said the detention officer asked Thomas Lorenzo Sherrod, 40, of Scotland Neck, for a spoon that was not left on a dinner tray.

Utensils are collected after meals because they can be made into weapons, Williams confirmed.

Sherrod allegedly spat in the officer’s face following the request and was given a $5,000 bond and a June 6 court date.