A federal lawsuit has cast a harsh spotlight on New York’s correctional system, alleging that two officers at Mid-State Correctional Facility severely assaulted an inmate in an act chillingly referred to as the “George Floyd Challenge.” The officers, Michael Williams and Rohail Khan, have pleaded guilty to assault charges in federal court, while the victim, James Barton, seeks $10 million in damages for the alleged attack.
The incident occurred in April 2023 when Barton, an incarcerated man serving time since 2008, was reportedly awakened in the middle of the night and taken to a hallway outside his unit. According to court documents, one officer allegedly taunted him, saying, “Hold your ID with your right pinky against the wall and if the ID falls, you’re dead.” Moments later, Barton was subjected to a violent assault involving a chokehold, kicks, and punches that lasted for 10 minutes.
The brutality, Barton claims, was unprovoked and laced with racial overtones. His lawyer, Andrew Plasse, revealed that one officer accused Barton of raping a white woman before the attack began, a charge unrelated to Barton’s criminal history. The lawsuit further alleges a coordinated effort among the officers to lie to internal investigators should the incident come under scrutiny.
New York’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) launched an investigation, leading to the termination of several staff members and aiding in the prosecution of Williams and Khan. In a statement, DOCCS officials confirmed that federal convictions have already been secured and disciplinary actions are ongoing. The department also noted its collaboration with federal prosecutors in building the case.
The lawsuit is one of several high-profile cases highlighting abuse within New York’s prison system. In December 2023, Robert Brooks was beaten to death by officers at the nearby Marcy Correctional Facility, an incident captured on body cameras. Advocates argue that such cases underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to address the culture of violence and lack of accountability within the state’s correctional facilities.
Recent Comments