Shocking Charges: Seven Florida Guards Linked to Brutal Inmate Beating

Shocking Charges: Seven Florida Guards Linked to Brutal Inmate Beating

Seven corrections officers from the Florida Department of Corrections are facing serious charges stemming from an alleged inmate beating and subsequent cover-up at the Dade Correctional Institution in Florida City. Spearheaded by Lt. Shentrica Clark, the incident reportedly involved inmate Christopher Castro and has led to significant legal repercussions for several officers.

According to Caribbean National Weekly, the charges against the seven officers include allegations of using excessive force on a detainee and tampering with physical evidence. Six of these officers were arrested, with four having bonded out of jail as of Thursday night in Miami-Dade County. The names of those under arrest include Captain Jochen Anglin, Officer Jordy Calero, and several sergeants, including Travon Norman, D’Andre Hill, and Richard Jackson.

Details of the Incident

The incident in question occurred on April 5, 2023, when Clark allegedly ordered officers to escort Castro to a non-surveillance area outside her office. Once there, Castro was handcuffed and left alone with the other officers, where it is claimed he was beaten. Witness accounts report that he suffered significant facial bruising, scratches, and bleeding. A shift supervisor spotted Castro’s injuries the following day and noted that Clark’s account of the events was „egregiously false.“

Further investigations revealed attempts to clean up blood from the holding cell, and Clark purportedly instructed another inmate to clean the area shortly after the incident, which raised more red flags. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office crime scene unit even collected DNA samples related to this incident, evidencing the serious nature of the cover-up.

The Fallout

As a result of these allegations, all officers involved have been dismissed from their positions. The bond amounts for the arrested officers vary, with Lt. Clark’s set at $5,500 and Anglin’s at $2,000. Others have bonds set between $3,000 to $5,000. By Thursday night, four officers had managed to bond out while Calero and Morgan remained in custody. Jackson, meanwhile, has an outstanding arrest warrant.

Inmate Christopher Castro, who has been in the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections multiple times since 2012, is currently housed at Wakulla Correctional Institution Annex. With a criminal background that includes convictions for armed robbery and home invasion, Castro’s release date is officially noted as June 26, 2032.

Florida’s Background

As a backdrop to this troubling story, it’s worth remembering that Florida, admitted to the Union on March 3, 1845, is known for its rapid growth and scenic landscapes. With a population exceeding 23 million, it stands as the third most populous state in the U.S. The Sunshine State features a diverse mix of cultures and communities, fueled by thriving sectors such as tourism and agriculture, and it boasts the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, rich with unique ecosystems like the Everglades National Park and Florida Reef, as highlighted by Wikipedia and Britannica.

As the investigation into the alleged misconduct surrounding this incident unfolds, it raises broader questions about accountability and the work ethic of those entrusted with the care of inmates within Florida’s correctional system. Florida’s geographical diversity and vibrant culture underscore the need for integrity in all aspects of governance, including law enforcement and the management of correctional facilities.