Associated Press
Caption: Officials expect to learn Monday the extent of the damage caused after the 13 inmates refused to return to their cells. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
Also in the news his week: 21 dead in Mexican prison riot
RUTLAND — Criminal charges will almost certainly be filed against at least some of the participants in a Saturday night disturbance at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility, Corrections Commissioner Rob Hofmann said Sunday.
On Monday, officials are planning to tally the damage to the jail to things like television sets, tables, and sprinkler heads, which Hofmann described as “general vandalism.” He said he expected the cost of the damage would be in the thousands of dollars.
“I expect there will be criminal charges. We will work with police and the prosecutors in Rutland County on that,” Hofmann said. “I am sure there are things we can learn from the incident, but all indications are the staff at the Rutland facility did an outstanding job.”
Three or four of the ringleaders from the three-hour incident on Saturday night were transferred to other facilities, Hofmann said.
One of two inmates injured in the disturbance was assaulted by other inmates, Hofmann said. A second injured inmate was one of the participants.
The incident began Saturday evening when 13 inmates in the D-unit refused to return to their cells, Hofmann said.
The Corrections Department mobilized its emergency response team outfitted with shields, masks and a variety of non-lethal weapons while state and local police agencies surrounded the jail.
Hofmann authorized the use of force to end the incident.
The superintendent “took decisive action that caused the inmates to throw in the towel,” Hofmann said.
He said the team fogged the area with what he called “an irritant” and pepper spray.
“Between that and the sound of the canine unit in the hall from the state police, the offenders weighed their options and made the sensible decision to throw in the towel,” Hofmann said.
The Marble Valley Correctional Facility holds about 135 inmates.
Related Articles