Allegations of Brutality: New York Inmates Speak Out on Waterboarding and Abuse by Prison Guards

Charles Wright, 44, and Eugene Taylor, 32, two New York state prison prisoners, have accused correctional personnel of waterboarding and physical assault.

2 New York state prison inmates say they were waterboarded, beaten by guards (Photo: Google)

Inmates’ Horrifying Ordeal

Due to a prisoner-on-guard attack, Green Haven Correctional Facility in Stormville was locked down for days in October. After being viciously assaulted and pepper-sprayed in their cells, Wright and Taylor claim they were waterboarded when they were moved to another facility.

Shackling, pepper spray, and waterboarding traumatized the convicts, according to December civil filings. Attorney Bruce Barket, representing both men, criticized the alleged abuse and said the Department of Corrections should not use it for disciplinary penalties. The complaints seek $20 million for violence, jail staff inaction, and improper hiring and training.

Wright’s complaint says that one officer tied him to a bed and waterboarded him at Great Meadow Correctional Facility while another refused to interfere. According to Taylor, the same cop with a unique look was involved.

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Legal Proceedings Unfold as Inmates Face Alleged Retribution

After the allegations, Wright was found guilty of various offenses, including a bogus contraband charge, at disciplinary hearings. Taylor, wrongly accused of demonstrating and gang activities, has not been punished.

Due to litigation, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association will not comment. In 2016, prisoner Matthew Raymond and Lt. Troy Mitchell at Auburn Correction Facility were accused of waterboarding. Mitchell denies guilt in that instance.

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