Staff Misconduct
This topic features news, training and information related to cases involving potential or perceived misconduct in corrections. This section serves the important function of pointing out, not pointing fingers, when a CO has gone outside the lines.
Nicholas Vitale was one of 10 corrections officers indicted in the death of inmate Messiah Nantwi
The 7th Circuit ruled consensual sex between a prison nurse and an inmate did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment, despite concerns
Sgt. Khadijah Solomon pleaded not guilty to the six-count indictment and was released on bail
Nathan Palmer admitted to lying on a use-of-force form in an attempt to cover up Messiah Nantwi’s death, prosecutors said
Staff also failed to complete mandatory paperwork while booking Ryan Wodziak, including conducting a mental health assessment to identify his psychiatric needs
Avelino Ramirez admitted to smuggling and planting cocaine, cellphones and other contraband items to appear effective and earn overtime at San Quentin and Vacaville
Braxton Kee is the 14th Walker County Jail employee to be indicted or plead guilty in connection with the death of Tony Mitchell
Probation staff staged 69 teen “gladiator fights” within six months at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in 2023, investigators said
After being left unattended for nearly two hours, one inmate was able to break a window in the van and unlock the doors, allowing all seven to get out and call for help on an intercom
Prosecutors say Lt. Chad Lester ordered false reports and threatened fellow officers after the 2022 in-custody death of Southern Regional Jail inmate Quantez Burks
Proactive strategies and skills to foster a culture of accountability and support to prevent misconduct
The CO admitted in court to cleaning up blood and not reporting it following Robert Brooks’ death
Wasco County Sheriff Magill called the behavior “egregious,” but the arbitrator cited a lack of prior discipline and a casual office culture in reversing the termination
During the hearing, Christopher Walrath acknowledged that he put Brooks in a chokehold, that he struck the inmate’s body and groin and that he lied to investigators
The Montgomery County Sheriff says Christian Black likely died from positional asphyxia after being restrained during a jail altercation
Prosecutors amended Randall Hepp’s felony misconduct charge as part of a plea deal tied to ongoing investigations at Waupun Correctional Institution
The former corrections electronics technician admitted to trafficking fentanyl, meth, knives and contraband cellphones into the Bonne Terre facility
The loaded handgun was allegedly left in a Nashville dental school restroom during a medical transport from Trousdale Turner Correctional Center
Derek Chauvin, convicted of murdering George Floyd, was stabbed in prison and is now serving his sentence in a different facility
A search of the now-former Pocahontas State Correctional Center CO’s home led to the seizure of more than $150,000 worth of narcotics in prison value, a handgun and $1,000 in cash
The Department of Juvenile Justice says a toxic workplace culture at Mayfield enabled sexual activity while COs were on duty and youth fights hidden from cameras and supervisors
Messiah Nantwi resisted being handcuffed and grabbed a CO’s vest during an emergency response call, leading several COs to strike the inmate, the indictment says
The duty to intervene in an excessive force situation is your legal and moral responsibility
How leadership failures, unchecked behavior and inadequate training contribute to toxic correctional environments — and what it takes to change the culture
The court found Joseph DeMarco’s inaction during a 2020 reenactment of George Floyd’s death undermined public confidence and respect in the DOC
Prosecutors said corrections officers at Marcy Correctional Facility attacked Robert Brooks while he was handcuffed, leading to his death the next day
An independent investigation found Oregon’s chief prison doctor and his boss mismanaged inmate medical care, causing delays and harming patients
The Broad River Correctional Institute captain smuggled cellphones and SIM cards while collecting nearly $280,000 in bribes, prosecutors say
The correction officer allegedly tried to bypass security by repeatedly removing layers of clothing, but a search of his vest exposed the hidden contraband
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