By Kyle Wind
The Times-Tribune
SCRANTON, Pa. — A former Lackawanna County Prison correctional officer is accused of striking a combative inmate who was restrained in a chair.
The County district attorney’s office on Wednesday filed charges of simple assault and harassment against 23-year-old Nicholas Hughes, who authorities said hit inmate Cloward Grant III last month, when Mr. Hughes worked as a correctional officer at the jail.
Mr. Grant, a 19-year-old Scranton resident imprisoned on several charges related to a September 2013 robbery arrest, suffered a cut over his right eye that needed medical attention from the Aug. 13 incident, county Detective Brian Kosch stated in a criminal complaint.
Mr. Grant was confined to an emergency restraint chair because of “inappropriate behavior.” Mr. Hughes and two other correctional officers were assigned to care for him.
Prison reports indicated the trio removed some of Mr. Grant’s restraints so he could keep his right hand free to eat dinner during recreation time. When Mr. Grant asked for something to drink, he got water and was not happy with his beverage.
“It was documented and observed on camera cell video that inmate Grant became unsettled because he did not want water,” Detective Kosch wrote. “It was reported by all three COs ... that at that time, inmate Grant became aggressive toward the COs (by) fighting and spitting. It was during this struggle when CO Hughes was seen on the camera cell video striking inmate Cloward Grant in the face with his right hand.”
District Attorney Andy Jarbola said correctional officers have a tough job that requires a thick skin.
“They don’t deserve to be spit on, punched or kicked,” Mr. Jarbola said. “But on the same token, an inmate doesn’t deserve to be punched.”
After watching the video, Mr. Jarbola said he did not believe the reaction was justified.
The prison reported the incident to the district attorney’s office.
The county hired Mr. Hughes in April 2014 and his recent salary was $38,656.
On Wednesday, County spokesman Joseph D’Arienzo said the county’s policy is not to comment on personnel or legal matters, but did confirm Mr. Hughes “is not currently a county employee.”
Attempts to reach prison union officials was unsuccessful.
Mr. Hughes was arraigned and released on $5,000 unsecured bail, according to court records. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday.