Former Prison Guard Pleads Guilty in Inmate Death Cover-Up
A former prison guard from upstate New York has admitted his role in covering up the beating death of an inmate by fellow guards. Joshua bartlett pleaded guilty on Friday to hindering prosecution and falsifying records, both felonies. The charges stem from the March 1 death of Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility in marcy, near Utica.
The Guilty Plea and Charges
- Guilty Plea: Joshua Bartlett pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution and falsifying records.
- Location: Oneida County Court in Utica.
- Sentencing: Scheduled for August 8.
- victim: Messiah Nantwi died on March 1 at Mid-State Correctional Facility.
Did You Know?
Mid-State Correctional Facility is located in Marcy, New York, near Utica. It has been the site of multiple incidents involving inmate deaths and allegations of guard misconduct.
Multiple Guards Indicted
Bartlett is not the only one facing consequences.Ten correction officers, not including Bartlett, were indicted in connection with the fatal beating.
Two of those ten,Jonah Levi and Caleb Blair,are charged with second-degree murder. All ten have pleaded not guilty. Bartlett is the first guard to plead guilty in connection with the case.
Details of the Fatal Beating
The indictment reveals disturbing details about the circumstances surrounding Nantwi’s death. Nantwi died from injuries he sustained in a series of beatings by guards that began in his room and continued even when he was lying handcuffed on the floor of the infirmary.
The Cover-Up
Bartlett’s role involved more than just witnessing the events. He was accused of helping other guards cover up what happened, including filing a false use-of-force report.
The Events Leading to the Beating
The incident began when an emergency response team was called to Nantwi’s room. National Guard members, deployed to Mid-State due to a strike by guards, had become concerned when Nantwi involved himself in another inmate’s effort to obtain medication and was resistant during a headcount.
Even after the situation was resolved, Nantwi objected to being handcuffed. Nantwi objected to being handcuffed for no apparent reason and grabbed Bartlett’s vest, with several guards instantly raining blows on his head and body using their fists, batons and boots.
The attack intensified when Nantwi bit the hands of two guards.
Further Assault and Death
The abuse didn’t stop there. Nantwi became unresponsive and guards transported him toward the infirmary, but he was assaulted a second time in a stairwell.
He later died from his injuries.
Similar Incidents at Marcy Correctional Facility
Nantwi’s death occurred shortly after another similar incident.Nantwi died several months after Robert Brooks was fatally beaten at the Marcy Correctional Facility near the Mid-State prison.
In that case, six guards were charged with second-degree murder
in Brooks’ December 9 beating.One of those guards pleaded guilty earlier this month to first-degree manslaughter under a plea deal.
Aftermath and Resignations
In the wake of Nantwi’s death, significant changes occurred within the prison staff. Bartlett was among 18 guards, including the 10 who were indicted, who either resigned or were suspended after Nantwi’s death.
Some guards who were not indicted have agreed to cooperate with authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What charges did Joshua Bartlett plead guilty to?
A: He pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution and falsifying records. - Q: Where did Messiah Nantwi die?
A: He died at Mid-state Correctional Facility in Marcy, near Utica. - Q: How many other guards were indicted in connection with Nantwi’s death?
A: Ten other correction officers were indicted. - Q: What were the National Guard doing at the prison?
A: They were deployed due to a strike by prison guards.
