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.
Leon Wilson, who took the stand in his own defense, told the jury that he thought he had interrupted a jailbreak in process but couldn’t reach his radio to call for help
Leon Wilson told jurors he believed a suspected contraband drop might have been part of an escape attempt and said he was in shock, unable to call 911 after opening fire
Daniel Burger was among 10 corrections officers indicted in the death of inmate Messiah Nantwi and the alleged cover-up at the Oneida County prison
The Allegheny County Jail officer was recorded holding a barbed wire bat and saying “I don’t give a [expletive], [racial slur]-beater” in a video posted online
The ex-Northern State Prison officer pleaded guilty to conspiracy and will lose his job, $6K in proceeds and the right to hold public office in N.J.
Federal prosecutors allege the Augusta State Medical Prison officers left a mentally ill inmate in a smoke-filled cell for hours, leading to his death in 2020
The former SCI-Forest CO is accused of performing sex acts on three inmates and accessing life-sentenced prisoners’ personal data for a fraud scheme
Christopher Walrath was one of six COs charged with murder in Robert Brooks’ death, who was killed at the Marcy Correctional Facility on Dec. 9
The error stemmed from a failure to follow established procedures for inmate verification, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan said
Two former Cambria County Prison staff used lunch bags and private medical rooms to bring in drugs, phones and security tools for inmates
Federal charges allege Walker County Jail officers deprived Tony Mitchell and others of basic rights and used an inmate enforcer to assault detainees
Investigators say the La Plata County commander accessed sensitive jail videos more than 3,000 times and looked up inmates and colleagues on social media
Investigations by state police into employee misconduct exposed a culture at Snake River Correctional Institution that enabled abuse and harassment
Najee Jackson tried to bypass security by removing layers of clothing, but a search of his vest exposed the hidden contraband
Corrections officials say a kitchen job, unsupervised access and failure to confirm identity enabled Grant Hardin’s escape
Seth L. Davis, 20, was sentenced to a deferred judgment, community service and anger management for an assault at Centennial Correctional Facility
The Oregon DOC released pre-dismissal letters after an investigation revealed racist language, hate speech and demeaning content shared by tactical team members
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
MOST POPULAR
- Corrections officer fired, charged for bringing contraband chicken wings into Texas jail
- The culture of compliance: Breaking destructive patterns in correctional facilities
- ‘The best course of action': BOP to close FCI Dublin
- Feds: Former S.C. prison captain ran contraband ring, took bribes
- 2 Ala. COs to plead guilty for failing to help an inmate who froze to death