X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Shytique Kelly, Attica, petitioner pro se.Barbara D. Underwood, Attorney General, Albany (Victor Paladino of counsel), for respondent.Proceeding pursuant to CPLR article 78 (transferred to this Court by order of the Supreme Court, entered in Albany County) to review a determination of the Commissioner of Corrections and Community Supervision finding petitioner guilty of violating certain prison disciplinary rules.During the course of an investigation that involved the monitoring of petitioner’s telephone calls, correction officials discovered that petitioner was enlisting his wife to bring drugs into the correctional facility during visits to the facility and that he was also using the telephone system to make third-party telephone calls. As a result, he was charged in a misbehavior report with conspiring to introduce drugs into the correctional facility, soliciting another to smuggle contraband, violating facility visiting room procedures and making third-party telephone calls. Petitioner was found guilty of the charges following a tier III disciplinary hearing. The determination was later affirmed on administrative appeal with a modified penalty, and this CPLR article 78 proceeding ensued.We confirm. Initially, insofar as petitioner pleaded guilty to making third-party telephone calls, he is precluded from challenging the sufficiency of the evidence supporting that part of the determination finding him guilty of this charge (see Matter of LaGrave v. Venettozzi, 157 AD3d 1184, 1184 [2018]; Matter of Sierra v. Venettozzi, 153 AD3d 1548, 1549 [2017]). As for the remaining charges, the misbehavior report, together with the testimony of its author who conducted the investigation and the transcribed portions of the taped telephone conversations, provide substantial evidence supporting the determination of guilt (see Matter of Harrison v. Fischer, 104 AD3d 1032, 1032 [2013]; Matter of Matthews v. Fischer, 95 AD3d 1529, 1530 [2012]). Contrary to petitioner’s claim, we do not find that the Hearing Officer was biased or that the determination flowed from any alleged bias (see Matter of Safford v. Annucci, 144 AD3d 1271, 1272-1273 [2016], lv denied 29 NY3d 901 [2017]; Matter of Cognata v. Fischer, 85 AD3d 1456, 1457 [2011]).McCarthy, J.P., Egan Jr., Lynch, Aarons and Pritzker, JJ., concur.ADJUDGED that the determination is confirmed, without costs, and petition dismissed.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
October 24, 2024
Georgetown, Washington D.C.

The National Law Journal honors attorneys & judges who've made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in the D.C. area.


Learn More
October 29, 2024
East Brunswick, NJ

New Jersey Law Journal honors lawyers leaving a mark on the legal community in New Jersey with their dedication to the profession.


Learn More
November 07, 2024
Orlando, FL

This event shines a spotlight on the individuals, teams, projects and organizations that are changing the financial industry.


Learn More

With bold growth in recent years, Fox Rothschild brings together 1,000 attorneys coast to coast. We offer the reach and resources of a natio...


Apply Now ›

About Us:Monjur.com is a leading provider of contracts-as-a-service for managed service providers, offering tailored solutions to streamline...


Apply Now ›

Dynamic Boutique law firm with offices in NYC, Westchester County and Dutchess County, is seeking a mid level litigation associate to work ...


Apply Now ›