Murphy 'Sickened' By Report Of Women Inmates Beaten At NJ Prison

UNION, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy said he is "sickened by the horrific reports" after prison officers were accused of severely beating several women inmates at a New Jersey Prison.

"Let me be clear: every individual in state custody deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and we must always remember that female inmates have long been uniquely vulnerable to abuse," said Murphy.

At least three women were reportedly beaten by officers at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility located in Union Township in Hunterdon County near Clinton on Jan. 11. One woman reportedly has a broken eye socket and a transgender woman was beaten so severely she is in a wheelchair and can no longer walk, according to nj.com.

As a result of the reports Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Corrections Marcus Hicks put 30 prison staff members on leave.

Additionally, the NJDOC has asked Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office to open a criminal investigation into this and are ensuring this incident and all related allegations are being thoroughly reviewed, said Liz Velez NJDOC spokeswoman.

After the criminal investigation, NJDOC may also conduct its own administrative investigation and take appropriate action to hold people accountable, said Velez.

Seven Republican Assemblywomen are unhappy and are demanding that Hicks be replaced.

"The report of thirty officers and supervisors on leave because of allegations of abuse should stop all of us in our tracks," said the lawmakers in joint statement. "This is not a few bad actors scenario. The continued abuses at the Edna Mahan demonstrate the need for further overhaul to cleanse the culture of abuse and bring justice to the women who endured these brutalities."

The statement was issued by Assemblywomen BettyLou DeCroce (R-Morris), Serena DiMaso (R-Monmouth), Aura Dunn (R-Morris), DiAnne Gove (R-Ocean), Nancy Munoz (R-Union), Holly Schepisi (R-Bergen), and Jean Stanfield (R-Burlington).

Murphy launched an investigation on Wednesday into the incidents.

"Today, I am ordering a full independent investigation, under the direction of former State Comptroller Matt Boxer, to determine how this happened and make recommendations to prevent anything like it from ever happening again," said Murphy. Based on those findings, which I expect to receive in an expedited fashion, any individual who acted improperly will be held fully accountable. These types of incidents will never be tolerated."

Velez noted that the NJDOC "fully supports" the Governor's directive to process an independent investigation.

"The health, safety and wellbeing of those entrusted to the confinement and care of the NJDOC is of paramount importance," said Velez. "If wrongdoing is found, the Department shall address it in an expeditious and appropriate manner, as inappropriate use of force shall neither be tolerated nor condoned."

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