Inmate Beaten By Guards Files Lawsuit Against NJ Prison: Report

UNION, NJ — An inmate, who was brutally beaten by multiple guards in January, has filed the first lawsuit against Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, according to mycentraljersey.com.

The lawsuit filed Friday in Superior Court in Hunterdon County claims the attacks on Tatianna Harrison, 22, of Berlin were part of "a premeditated raid that will go down in history as one of the most barbaric examples of prisoner abuse in the State of New Jersey," according to mycentraljersey.com.

Harrison was among six other inmates who were severely beaten during two forced cell extractions between Jan. 11 and Jan. 12. During the raid, one inmate who was pepper-sprayed before five correctional officers entered her cell. She was then reportedly punched with a closed fist about 28 times in the face area while she was pressed against the cell wall. The woman had serious bodily injuries including a concussion and facial injuries. Read More: 3 Officers Charged After Women Inmates Beaten At NJ Prison

Since the events on Jan. 11, New Jersey Department of Corrections Commissioner Marcus O. Hicks announced his resignation on June 8. Read More: Head Of NJ Prison Resigns After Reports Of Women Inmates Beaten

A total of 10 correctional officers have also been charged in connection with the beatings and/or trying to cover it up. The charges range from assault to witness tampering to official misconduct. Read More: 4 More Officers Charged In Beating Of Women Inmates At NJ Prison

Gov. Phil Murphy launched an investigation into the attacks.

"I am deeply disturbed and disgusted by the horrific attacks that took place on Jan. 11. Individuals in state custody deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and the officers involved in this incident, both directly and indirectly, abused their power to send a message that they were in charge. The excessive use of force, as outlined in the report, cannot and will not be tolerated by my Administration," said Murphy.

Following the investigation, Murphy is planning to close the prison. Inmates will be relocated to a new facility or other facilities. Read More: NJ Prison Closing After Women Inmates Were Beaten By Guards

Murphy is also looking into various recommendations outlined in the report, including establishing independent oversight; further clarifying authorization protocols for cell extractions; strengthening staff recruitment, retention, and training; accelerating the implementation and adoption of body-worn cameras and an early warning system; and improving physical infrastructure while pursuing the ultimate goal of closure of the facility.

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