The Telegram
NEW YORK — Officials are reporting that three corrections officers (COs) at Franklin Correctional facility received minor injuries from two separate inmate altercations that took place last week.
“It appears the injuries to staff were minor, although the three officers involved in the incidents left the facility for medical care and evaluation,” NYSDOCCS spokesperson Linda Foglia said Tuesday night.
According to the New York State Corrections Officers and Police Benevolence Association, the union that represents COs statewide, inmate Richard Hein became agitated during a pat frisk on Jan. 15 and punched an officer in the face. Foglia confirmed the incident and added that officer John Hughes sustained swelling to his left eye. She added that Hughes and a second officer, who she did not identify, had to use body holds and mechanical restraints on Hein before taking him to s secure housing unit (SHU).
Hein is currently serving a sentence of 30 years to life for multiple charges from an incident in Westchester County that include attempted murder, robbery, assault, and criminal use of firearms. He has been in state custody since 1982 and is eligible for parole in January 2015.
On the following day, Jan. 16, NYSCOPBA said inmate Michael Mardino caused minor injuries to a CO who intervened with his arguing with a counselor. Foglia confirmed this incident as well, adding that officer Derek Vanier responded to yelling he overheard coming from an alcohol and substance abuse treatment session.
He was restrained and placed in the SHU, according to Foglia.
Mardino is currently serving two to four years for fourth-degree grand larceny that was committed in Ulster County. He is eligible for parole in July.
It is too early to determine if Hein or Mardino will face outside criminal charges, according to Foglia. He is facing internal misbehavioral charges stemming from the altercation.
Officers involved in both altercations were out of work as of late last week, according to NYSCOPBA. Foglia was not able to determine if they have since returned.
Copyright 2013 Johnson Newspaper Corporation
Distributed by Newsbank, Inc. All Rights Reserved