X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Raymond Clyde, Malone, petitioner pro se.Barbara D. Underwood, Attorney General, Albany (Marcus J. Mastracco 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 a prison disciplinary rule.A female correctional facility employee observed petitioner exposing himself and masturbating in his cell. As a result, he was charged with engaging in lewd conduct and interfering with an employee. Following a tier III disciplinary hearing, petitioner was found guilty as charged. Upon administrative appeal, the determination was modified by dismissing the charge of interfering with an employee but otherwise affirmed. This CPLR article 78 proceeding ensued.We confirm. The misbehavior report, video and hearing testimony provide substantial evidence to support the determination of guilt (see Matter of Bradshaw v. Annucci, 163 AD3d 1380, 1381 [2018]; Matter of Cowart v. Burnett, 159 AD3d 1253, 1253 [2018]). According to the report and the employee’s testimony, the employee spoke to petitioner in his cell on the day in question and petitioner was fully clothed at that time. After speaking with petitioner, the employee stopped a little further down the cellblock and spoke to another inmate for a few minutes. As she was leaving the cellblock, the employee walked past petitioner’s cell and observed that he was naked and masturbating. Although petitioner testified that he was unaware that the employee was still on the cellblock when he masturbated, this created a credibility issue for the Hearing Officer to resolve (see Matter of Rivera v. McGinnis, 290 AD2d 800, 800-801 [2002], lv denied 98 NY2d 601 [2002]; Matter of McMillian v. Selsky, 268 AD2d 936, 936 [2000]). We reject petitioner’s contention that he was improperly removed from the hearing, as the record reflects that he failed to comply with respondent’s repeated warnings to stop being disruptive by trying to get out of his chair or he would be removed (see Matter of Alsaifullah v. Fischer, 118 AD3d 1239, 1240 [2014], lv denied 24 NY3d 906 [2014]; Matter of Blocker v. Fischer, 107 AD3d 1285, 1286 [2013]). Petitioner’s remaining contentions, including that respondent was biased, have been reviewed and found to be without merit.Egan Jr., J.P., Lynch, Devine, Clark and Mulvey, 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 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
November 06, 2024 - November 07, 2024
Orlando, FL

BTI provides leading tax professionals from financial institutions with unmatched tools and resources.


Learn More

McCarter & English, LLP is actively seeking an associate the to join its Environment & Energy Practice Group in Philadelphia, PA. Ca...


Apply Now ›

When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8500-member strong TEAM that operates with the highest standards of independ...


Apply Now ›

McCarter and English is actively seeking a trusts and estates associate for our Newark, NJ office with 3-5 years of experience in estate pla...


Apply Now ›