By Garry Lenton
The Patriot-News
PENBROOK, Pa. — A 21-year-old Penbrook man who claimed his nose was broken by a Dauphin County Prison correctional officer admitted in court Monday that he made up the story.
Doug Harris, who was jailed on a probation violation, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of filing false reports before District Judge Michael J. Smith.
Harris, who was charged with making false reports on Aug. 19, was released from prison Monday for time served. There was no fine, a spokeswoman in Smith’s office said.
Last spring Harris told police, his parents, prison advocates, and The Patriot-News that he had been beaten and continually harassed by officers at the county jail.
His account was one of several brought to the attention of prison authorities over the year by inmates who alleged they were victims of excessive abuse at the prison.
The accusations, many of which remain under investigation by District Attorney Ed Marsico, have brought mixed results.
Two accusers, including Harris, were charged with filing a false report. Three cases were dismissed for lack of evidence.
In two cases, however, investigators said they found enough evidence to file charges in July against correctional officer Daniel Hosler.
Hosler has been placed on leave pending the outcome of his trial on misdemeanor charges of simple assault and official oppression. No trial date has been set.
Harris, in letters to his mother, alleged he was punched in the face by a correctional officer on April 17. He also alleged he was harassed by prison guards because he is gay.
Videotape recorded at the prison and reviewed by county detectives failed to corroborate Harris’ story.
The tape showed Harris being led by guards into a room where he said the beating occurred. The tape showed Harris emerging from the room a short time later with no apparent injuries.
In addition to the video, investigators took statements from other inmates who said Harris told them he made up the story in an attempt to get money through a lawsuit.
Copyright 2007 Patriot News