State lawmaker on prison attack: “they must be held accountable at all costs”

BOSTON (WWLP) – State leaders say correctional officer’s safety is a top priority after an attack in a prison that sent officers to the hospital.

The attack happened on September 18 in the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in central Massachusetts.

The three inmates were Jose Crespo, Heriberto Rivera-Negron, and Jeffrey Tapia. Two officers were stabbed multiple times, and three others were also injured.

Local representative Carlos Gonzalez chairs the public safety commission that oversees prisons. He says state lawmakers are working with correctional officers to ensure their safety on the job.

“No inmate, regardless of what situation they find themselves in, has the right to attack anyone else, including our correctional officers. And they must be held accountable at all costs,” said Gonzalez.

The interim commissioner of the Department of Corrections shared a statement with 22News. “Attacks against our officers will not be tolerated. This type of violence is unacceptable, and now those involved will be held accountable in the court of law,” said Shawn Jenkins.

The union that represents correctional officers is calling for a full review of security policies and protocols to keep officers and inmates safe going forward.

The three inmates who allegedly attacked the correctional officers have been charged with several types of assault and mayhem, and are set to be arraigned next month.

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