Neb. CO recovering from inmate attack

BOP Hack · 10-24-2007, 04:29 AM

Neb. CO recovering from inmate attack

By John Ferak
The Omaha World-Herald

SIOUX CITY, Neb. — A Lincoln Correctional Center officer was home Sunday, recuperating after suffering a broken nose and a broken eye socket in an attack by two cellmates from South Sioux City, Neb.

About 480 inmates remained in modified lockdown Sunday, following the Saturday attack on the prison guard, according to the Nebraska Department of Corrections.

Corrections spokesman Steve King said Sunday that he did not know the injured guard's name. King said the officer may miss several weeks of work while recovering.

"He is now home from the hospital," King said. "That's the real good news."

The prison restored some inmate privileges Sunday afternoon. Inmates could use the telephone, take showers and meet with visitors.

However, inmates could not visit the hobby rooms, work areas or prison yard for outdoor recreation, King said.

The prison warden planned to reassess the situation today to determine whether to lift the partial lockdown, King said.

He said the guard was attacked after confronting two cellmates, Felix Navarette, 22, and Nicholas Juarez, 24, during a routine inspection of cells.

The guard was looking into suspicions about the production of alcohol, King said. He said it is not uncommon for inmates to gather products such as sugar, yeast, juice or water to try make alcohol in their cells.

"Inmates in prisons get pretty inventive," King said. "They've turned toilets into stills, which I can hardly believe."

Navarrete and Juarez are both serving six- to 10-year terms after being convicted in 2004 of second-degree sexual assault in Dakota County.

Navarrete had a projected release of November 2009. Juarez's projected release was May 2009.

Both men were put into segregated confinement until the investigations wrap up and disciplinary measures are handed down, King said.

Copyright 2007 Omaha World-Herald

jblake · 10-24-2007, 04:43 PM

I wish him the best!

Greg · 10-25-2007, 01:55 AM

Does anybody know if Nebraska C/Os get full pay and benefits while out after an inmate assault? That's the way it works in Washington.

How about other states?

dilligaf · 10-29-2007, 12:56 AM

I have no idea if we get full pay/benefits. Our contract sucks.

The caseworker (the 'CO' that was hurt) is actually the son of the warden at Nebraska State Penitentiary. This guy is BIG and on the CERT team. Just goes to show you that two little punks can get anyone. There were at least three staff sent to the hospital due to this incident.

Nebraska has had a run of bad luck/negative press lately, with the inmate getting killed by a broken neck from a fight.

Greg · 10-29-2007, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dilligaf

I have no idea if we get full pay/benefits. Our contract sucks.

In Washington, Assault Benefits are guaranteed by law, not our contract.

Whatever your law might be, I bet the son of the Warden gets full pay and benefits.

Jersey Guy · 11-01-2007, 12:02 AM

I can not belief the department spokesperson did not even know the officers name. I was assaulted by 6 inmates and before I got to the hospital the union president, the superindent (warden) and other department officials were at the hospital waiting for me to get there.

I wish this officer a speedy recovery, I suffered 4 fractures to my eye socket (orbit) also.

screw262 · 11-15-2007, 11:32 AM

I wish him a speedy recovery and best wishes. Here in Mass. you get full pay but they fight you
all the way and shut you off making you return to work.

castone1 · 11-17-2007, 01:36 AM

I wish the best for the C/O and this can happen to any of us at any time. This is usually a problem when other Staff are weak and lets things go and this guy comes along and enforces a policy and before you know it he is a target. So next time you overlook something think about it.