HASTINGS — Prosecutors claim the man accused of fatally shooting a Mendota Heights police officer has committed crimes while in prison. 

A court brief filed Monday in Dakota County alleges Brian Fitch Sr. conspired to commit murder and tamper with a witness while behind bars for a prior offense at Oak Park Heights maximum security prison.

Fitch will go to trial in Stearns County beginning Jan. 12 on charges of killing 47-year-old Scott Patrick during a traffic stop in West St. Paul last July. No additional charges have been filed as a result of the brief filed Monday. Prosecutors are required to notify the court when they plan to introduce new evidence of additional crimes at trial.

Fitch’s defense attorney, Lauri Traub, declined comment.