One local Sheriff has weighed in on the death of Robert Brooks, the Marcy Correctional Inmate who was assaulted by a number of correctional officers while handcuffed at the Oneida County facility earlier this month and later passed away.
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck released a statement over the weekend after video of the assault was released by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
“As Sheriff of Cayuga County, and having oversight responsibility of our local jail, I am deeply disturbed by the actions of the State Corrections Officers at the Marcy Correctional Facility which led to the death of Robert Brooks. Their actions that were recorded on body worn cameras at the time this incident occurred were beyond inexcusable and clearly unjustifiable. These individuals must be dealt with swiftly.
“At the same time, we must not let their actions overshadow the commendable work being done each day by the men and women behind the badge that provide custody and security services in our jails and prisons in a responsive, caring, unbiased, and professional manner every day. They are critical to public safety, and we must recognize them for performing dangerous and difficult jobs. We must also hold them to the highest standards that are expected of anyone that wears a badge.”
On December 9, Brooks was transferred from Mohawk Correctional Facility to Marcy Correctional Facility, both in Oneida County. Brooks, who was handcuffed with his hands behind his back, was then taken to a medical examination room where the events captured in the video took place. He was then transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead in the early morning hours of December 10.
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