ROME, N.Y. — A corrections officer’s mother is calling for tougher charges after her daughter and another officer were hospitalized in critical condition following exposure to a suspected toxic substance at a New York prison.
The incident happened on April 5 at Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome, where authorities say a visitor attempted to smuggle drugs into the facility using papers soaked in an unknown chemical, WSYR reported.
Two correction officers were exposed.
One of them — identified by family only as Monica — was the first to intercept the envelope. The 32-year-old, who previously worked as a counselor before becoming a corrections officer, has been hospitalized since the incident and remains in critical condition.
A second officer was initially treated and released, but later returned to the hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing. Both officers are now in intensive care at Rome Health.
Monica’s mother told WSYR that she is frustrated that the woman accused in the case is currently facing only misdemeanor charges.
New York State Police ticketed 53-year-old Shondrea Taylor with two counts of promoting prison contraband. Investigators allege Taylor attempted to smuggle drugs into the facility using the chemically treated papers.
Monica’s mother told WSYR she believes those charges do not reflect the severity of what happened and is urging prosecutors to pursue stronger penalties.
State Sen. Joe Griffo echoed those concerns, telling WSYR he is advocating for harsher charges in the case.
Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville did not comment on whether additional charges are being considered.
Authorities have not yet identified the substance involved. Evidence has been sent for forensic testing, with results still pending.
Monica’s doctor is working to transfer her to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse for more advanced treatment. Her family remains hopeful she will recover.
The incident remains under investigation.
