Five Florida State Prison guards fired for abusing inmate

April 17, 10:00 PMTampa Crime ExaminerCharisse Van Horn

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Secretary Walter McNeil

Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Walter McNeil released the following statement in a press release on April 15, 2009.

“I want to be crystal clear about this. I will never tolerate inmate abuse. I will take swift, decisive action anytime it occurs. My goal is to rid the Florida prison system of the handful of employees with this mindset and I will cooperate fully in prosecuting those engaged in criminal acts both on a local level and at the federal level as appropriate. I will also seek revocation of correctional officer certification for these officers.”

Referring to an investigation that began on April 8, 2009, five Florida State Prison guards were fired and another one resigned for allegations that they abused an inmate. The Florida State Attorney will be reviewing the case and charges are pending.

This is not the first time that a Florida state prison has dealt with abuse against inmates. As soon as Florida had its first penitentiary, the treatment of prisoners came into question.

The name of the inmate who was victimized is not currently being released.

The names of the six prison guards who have lost their jobs and are under investigation are as follows:

• Lieutenant William Hinson
• Sergeant James Coleman
• Sergeant Richard Kross
• Sergeant Anthony Reed
• Correctional Officer Charles Reames
• Correctional Officer Raymond Williams

Secretary of the Department of Corrections Walt McNeil Biography

 Florida State Prison Latest News