New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, has ordered the firing of greater than a dozen jail staffers in reference to the deadly beating of an inmate earlier this month.
Hochul mentioned in a press release Saturday that she has directed the state’s corrections division commissioner to start the method of terminating 14 employees concerned in a Dec. 9 incident on the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County that led to 43-year-old Robert Brooks’ loss of life the next day at a hospital.
Brooks had been in jail since 2017 and was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault.
The governor’s workplace mentioned the choice got here after an inside evaluate, however didn’t provide particulars on the circumstances main as much as Brooks’ loss of life.
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“The overwhelming majority of correction officers do extraordinary work underneath tough circumstances, and we’re all grateful for his or her service,” Hochul mentioned. “However we now have no tolerance for people who cross the road, break the legislation and interact in pointless violence or focused abuse.”
The corrections division offered an inventory of 13 workers, together with corrections officers, sergeants and a nurse who’ve been suspended with out pay. It additionally included one other corrections officer who resigned.
State Division of Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III condemned the staffers’ involvement and mentioned the suspensions are “in one of the best curiosity of the company and the communities we serve.”
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“There isn’t a place for brutality in our division and we’ll vigorously pursue justice in opposition to the people who dedicated this mindless act,” he mentioned in a press release to The Related Press. “These investigations are ongoing and extra suspensions could also be issued.”
Brooks’ household mentioned in a press release from their lawyer that they’re “extremely shocked and saddened” in regards to the loss of life, in keeping with The Times-Union in Albany.
“We’re grateful that Gov. Hochul is taking swift motion to carry officers accountable, however we can’t perceive how this might have occurred within the first place,” the household mentioned. “Nobody ought to should lose a member of the family this manner.”
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State Lawyer Normal Letitia James, a Democrat, mentioned her workplace can be investigating using power by corrections officers that led to Brooks’ loss of life. She mentioned her workers has obtained video of the incident and it will likely be made public after Brooks’ household has seen it.
“Legislation enforcement professionals have to be held to the very best requirements of accountability, and I’m dedicated to offering New Yorkers with the transparency they deserve,” James mentioned in a press release.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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