Two former corrections officers in Pennsylvania are facing criminal charges after allegedly beating a 66-year-old inmate so badly during the booking process that he suffered a brain bleed, multiple broken ribs and other serious injuries.
According to reports, Ryan Sigley, 26, and Amadeus Marinucci, 27, were charged following an investigation into the alleged assault at the Fayette County Jail in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
The incident reportedly happened on October 7, during the inmate’s intake process. The victim, identified as Robert Stimmel, was taken into custody on a bench warrant related to terroristic threats before being brought to the jail.
Authorities said Stimmel suffered severe injuries during the encounter, requiring several days of hospitalization. His reported injuries included a brain bleed, traumatic brain injury, concussion, broken ribs and facial fractures, according to local news reports.
DA Says Alleged Use of Force Went Too Far
Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele said investigators reviewed surveillance footage, medical records and witness statements as they worked to determine what happened inside the jail.
Officials said Stimmel was reportedly combative before or during the intake process. However, prosecutors allege that the force used against him went beyond what was justified.
The intake area where the incident allegedly occurred is not equipped with surveillance cameras, making witness accounts, medical evidence and other investigative findings especially important to the case.
Authorities have also said the injuries Stimmel suffered were not consistent with the information initially provided about the use of force.
Both Officers Were Fired Before Charges Were Filed
Sigley and Marinucci were reportedly fired from their positions at the Fayette County Jail before the criminal charges were announced. A third corrections officer connected to the incident was suspended for 10 days but has not been charged in this case.
Both former officers face charges including aggravated assault, simple assault, official oppression, recklessly endangering another person and unsworn falsification to authorities, according to court records cited by local media.
The aggravated assault charge is a felony that could carry a significant prison sentence if either defendant is convicted.
Following their arraignments, both men were released on $100,000 unsecured bonds. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for November 12.
Inmate Files Lawsuit Over Alleged Beating
The criminal case is not the only legal battle connected to the incident. Stimmel has also filed a lawsuit against Fayette County and the officers involved, alleging that he was beaten while handcuffed and shackled during the intake process.
The lawsuit further raises concerns about the jail’s policies, supervision and the lack of camera coverage in the area where the alleged assault occurred. Those claims remain allegations that will need to be addressed through the legal process.
The case has drawn attention to the treatment of people held in custody and the responsibility corrections officers have when using force against inmates.
For now, the criminal charges remain allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should jails have cameras covering every intake area to help protect both inmates and corrections officers?
Video Credit: WPXI
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