9 staffers at Vaughn prison suspended as investigation into transport incident continues

203
WHYY photo.
Advertisement

The Delaware Department of Correction confirmed that an investigation is under way on an incident that led to the suspension of nine staff members at a troubled prison near Smyrna.

DOC spokesperson Katherine Weber said the the department is “conducting an investigation to determine whether a violation of department policy and/or procedure has occurred surrounding the transport of an inmate from his housing unit to the infirmary for medical inspection.”

Weber stated that nine staff members assigned to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center were placed on administrative leave.  “This is a personnel investigation, and we are not able to share further details about the incident at this time. DOC takes seriously any alleged incidents of misconduct and reported incidents are thoroughly investigated,” Weber stated.   

Vaughn was the site of a prison uprising early this year that led to the death of one correctional officer.

 No charges have been filed and a report on the incident ordered by Gov. John Carney pointed to numerous staffing, training, pay and management problems at the prison.

Advertisement

A lawsuit was filed against the state by the family of the slain corrections officer and families of inmates have leveled allegations of abuse and poor treatment. 

Advertisement
Advertisement