Prosecutors in New York State on Wednesday announced charges against ten corrections officers in the fatal beating of a 22-year-old inmate last month.
It’s the second time this year a group of prison employees have been indicted for an inmate’s death. The indictment says several guards at the Mid-State Correctional Facility severely beat Messiah Nantwi – and later plotting a cover story about Nantwi having a knife in his room.
Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said Nantwi was beaten several times – including after he was taken to the infirmary.
“Handcuffed and taken to the infirmary and laid on the floor in a holding cell, an additional assault is alleged to have occurred by the grand jury,” said Fitzpatrick.
The New York State Corrections Officers and Police Benevolent Association released a statement following the announcement of the indictments.
“Today we learned of the indictment of nine officers and one sergeant, and their alleged actions in the death of Messiah Nantwi.
“Every single day, NYSCOPBA members working in correctional facilities face daunting odds and the very real possibility of encountering violence. The overwhelming majority of our members conduct themselves with professionalism and are committed to providing the safest environment in our correctional facilities despite those challenges they face.
“While today’s indictment and details of the incident are extremely troubling, NYSCOPBA will be undeterred and continue to fight for better working conditions for the men and women who conduct themselves appropriately and continue to go to work every day despite the challenging conditions.”
All ten officers pleaded not guilty on Wednesday.
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