An inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility attacked a female officer last week, headbutting her and attempting to grope her inside a prison dorm.
The incident happened on Thursday, September 4, while the officer was sitting at her desk after completing her rounds. The 31-year-old inmate came up behind her, grabbed her shoulder, and forced her backwards from her chair. He then landed on top of her, headbutted her in the forehead, licked her nose, and tried to sexually grope her.
Officer fought back, inmate restrained
The officer managed to fight him off, kicking him in the groin and torso. Additional staff arrived moments later, placed the inmate in handcuffs, and escorted him out of the dorm.
She was treated by facility medical staff and then taken to Wynn Hospital for injuries to her knee, elbow, and arm, as well as a forehead abrasion from the headbutt.
Inmate has prior convictions
The inmate is currently serving a 3-to-6-year sentence for aggravated criminal contempt and aggravated family offense after a 2024 conviction in Yates County. It’s his second time in state prison. He could be eligible for parole as early as March 2026.
Union official calls for tougher penalties
Bryan Hluska, Central Region Vice President, said the attack is another reminder of daily dangers faced by correction officers. He warned that incidents like this may rise if the HALT Act is fully reinstated across state prisons.
Hluska also urged lawmakers to pass a bill introduced in January that would increase criminal penalties for forcibly touching correctional staff in a sexual way. “Hopefully when that parole hearing comes around… they consider the nature of this assault and deny him,” he said.