Harrisburg, PA – Following an initial review of the recent death of inmate Tyrone Briggs at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Mahanoy, Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary John Wetzel, yesterday, suspended 13 employees pending the outcome of any criminal and administrative investigations. The Pennsylvania State Police is investigating the matter.
The DOC will not release the names of the suspended individuals, but confirms that the employees include medical and security staff. Suspensions are without pay pending the outcome of the investigations.
"Whatever the outcome of this case, we are going to be as transparent as possible, and the DOC will take whatever remedial measures deemed to be necessary," Secretary Wetzel said.
Briggs, who was 29 years old, died at the state prison on Nov. 11, 2019, following an inmate-on-inmate assault that happened earlier that day.
Wetzel also noted that this incident should not serve to tarnish the reputation of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and its 16,000 dedicated men and women who work every day toward a goal of providing public safety and reducing recidivism.
MEDIA CONTACT: Susan McNaughton, 717-728-4025
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