Three inmates charged in brutal attack at Massachusetts prison

Three inmates are now facing charges in the brutal attack at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center earlier this month that left five correctional officers injured – one of whom was stabbed 12 times and suffered a lung injury.

“Assaults against our officers will not be tolerated and the serious charges against the three individuals demonstrate that the Massachusetts Department of Correction will take action,” interim DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins said in a statement accompanying the announcement.

Investigators filed criminal charges against the inmates in Clinton District Court. Jose R. Crespo, 39; Heriberto Rivera-Negron, 36; and Jeffrey Tapia are each charged with assault, armed assault and battery. Rivera-Negron is scheduled to be arraigned on October 10, Crespo on October 11 and Tapia on October 15.

Violence subsided on September 18. Surveillance video of the attack shows a correctional officer walking through a common area with tables and chairs attached when an inmate leaning against a wall punches, either with his fist or a makeshift “aid.” Knife.

The officer recovers enough to throw the inmate to the ground, but another inmate rushes in and the officer struggles with both of them until another officer comes to his aid. Then a third officer and a third inmate become involved. About 15 seconds later, several officers join in and contain the situation.

The five injured officers were treated at a hospital.

The DOC “increased resources” and placed “specialized staff at the facility for day and evening shifts” beginning five days after the event, Jenkins said at the time.

“This type of violence is unacceptable and now those involved will be held accountable in court. “We have made and will continue to make the safety and health of our correctional officers a priority and appreciate their commitment to the DOC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” , Commissioner Jenkins wrote in his statement. “Our investigators have worked tirelessly since the incident to bring these charges.”