BOSTON — Charges have been filed against three inmates following a severe altercation at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center that left five correctional officers injured, one of whom was stabbed 12 times and suffered a punctured lung. The incident, which occurred on September 18, involved an attack caught on surveillance footage, where an officer was initially assaulted with what appeared to be a homemade knife.
Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins of the Massachusetts Department of Correction affirmed that stringent measures were being undertaken. “Attacks against our officers will not be tolerated,” Jenkins stated. His promise underscored the department’s commitment to addressing violence within the state’s penal system.
The three accused—Jose R. Crespo, 39; Heriberto Rivera-Negron, 36; and Jeffrey Tapia—face serious charges including mayhem, armed assault to murder, and assault to murder. Their arraignments have been scheduled throughout October at Clinton District Court.
In response to the attack, the Department of Correction has escalated its safety protocols and strengthened its staff for both day and evening shifts at the facility. This enhancement began just five days after the unsettling event and aims to prevent future violence.
The correctional officers, while receiving medical treatment for their injuries, also saw their plight recognized by the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union (MCOFU). The union praised the efforts of the Worcester County District Attorney’s office for their role in charging the accused but also demanded further action to enhance prison safety.
“Our officers’ safety and health continue to be prioritized, and we appreciate their relentless dedication,” Jenkins added. His statement also highlighted the exhaustive efforts by investigators to bring the charges promptly.
In an aggressive call for improvements, the union urged the Department of Correction to intensify its efforts to eliminate deadly weapons and drugs from prisons, which pose significant risks to safety. “We need concrete steps taken to secure our facilities more effectively,” a union statement read.
The assault briefly spotlighted the ongoing challenges within correctional facilities in Massachusetts and has spurred dialogues on potential reforms and the necessary increases in resources to ensure the safety of correctional staff and inmates alike.
As the legal process unfolds for the accused inmates, the corrections community remains vigilant and hopes these charges signify a turning point towards greater security and stability within the state’s corrections system. The broader implications of this incident may catalyze policy changes aimed at averting similar acts of violence moving forward.