By Sascha Cordner
WMFE
Fla. — A total of eleven correctional employees at north Florida’s Union Correctional Institution have been suspended in an ongoing investigation into the possible use of excessive force. One of the inmates who was allegedly abused, died while in custody at the prison.
Late last week, the state Department of Corrections suspended five of its correctional officers working at Union Correctional Institution, including Assistant Warden Nan Jeffcoat.
The department also transferred Diane Andrews from her role as warden at Madison Correctional Institution to take over as warden of Union Correctional. She replaced Barry Reddish who previously left Union Correctional and is now working at another state prison in north Florida.
The suspensions are the result of an internal investigation into the possible use of excessive force by corrections personnel. The officers are all on paid leave pending the results of the investigation, which is being led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement along with the DOC.
Full story: More Officers Suspended as Prison Abuse Probe Continues