By C1 Staff
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A correctional officer and a former correctional officer have been arrested and charged in connection with a use-of-force incident.
News4Jax reports that Justin Clemons and Cody Gabbard (the former correctional officer) were arrested and charged with falsifying official records, battery on an inmate by a department employee and criminal conspiracy to commit battery on an inmate.
The charges stem from a June 9 incident at the Union Correctional Institution, which was reviewed by the Florida Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General. The OIG determined the use of force was unjustified.
“The Department of Corrections is committed to taking firm and decisive action against those who engage in behaviors that threaten the safety of our inmates and the security of our institutions,” Secretary Julie Jones said. “I am confident in the abilities of the Office of Inspector General to aggressively identify and bring justice to those who discredit this department through criminal and administrative misconduct.”
An open investigation into the incident remains.