UPDATE: Unsealed indictment includes 11 counts against multiple corrections officers in Mid-State inmate death
UTICA- An unsealed indictment in Oneida County Court holds 11 counts against numerous corrections officers accused in the death of Messiah Nantwi, 22, who was an inmate at Mid-State Correctional facility and died following an incident in early March.
These developments are according to the latest from CNY Central (click hyperlink to see the full indictment and other staff members named in the indictment).
The indictment holds second-degree murder charges against prison guards Jonah Levi and Caleb Blair.
It also brings to light a series of steps that staff members allegedly took to cover up the incident, according to state officials.
For context, the case in question occurred during a time where several CO’s were striking illegally, while members of the National Guard were filling their shifts.
According to the indictment, a member of the National Guard, who authorities say received little training on how to handle inmates, called for the facility’s emergency response team.
The incident happened at around 11:00 A.M. on March 1. Levi and Blair were both members of the special response team who answered the call, but the indictment says they had “no clear understanding” as to why they were requested by the National Guardsman.
Upon arrival, it is reported that Levi and Blair began to assault Nantwi by beating him with their boots.
This alleged act was against NYSDOCCS protocols, the indictment clarified.
Soon after the indictment was unsealed, Governor Hochul released a statement, claiming that state correctional facilities “must be safe for Correction Officers, civilian staff, the incarcerated population and surrounding communities.”
Her full statement below:
“Earlier today, a grand jury unsealed criminal indictments against state corrections officers in connection with the death of Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility last month. Mr. Nantwi's death is a tragedy and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. I greatly appreciate Special Prosecutor William Fitzpatrick and his team’s efforts to hold the alleged perpetrators accountable.
“In response to this tragic incident, I directed DOCCS Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello to begin the termination process for all those involved in Mr. Nantwi's death. Let me be clear: our state correctional facilities must be safe for Correction Officers, civilian staff, the incarcerated population and surrounding communities. We have already begun to implement multiple new policies, including expanding the use of body-worn cameras and bringing in experts for a system-wide culture study. I am committed to working with Commissioner Martuscello and his team to protect the safety and well-being of every single person in a DOCCS facility.”
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