X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

MEMORANDUM AND JUDGMENT Proceeding pursuant to CPLR article 78 (transferred to this Court by order of the Supreme Court, entered in Sullivan County) to review a determination of the Commissioner of Corrections and Community Supervision finding petitioner guilty of violating certain prison disciplinary rules. PER CURIAM During the course of an investigation, correction officials received confidential information indicating that petitioner had placed a razor blade in a facility recycling bin because he was conspiring with another incarcerated individual to assault a third incarcerated individual in the housing unit regarding a debt owed. A subsequent search of the recycling bins revealed a small piece of folded tissue paper that contained a razor blade. As a result, petitioner was charged in a misbehavior report with conspiring to assault an incarcerated individual, possessing a weapon and engaging in violent conduct involving the threat of violence. Following a tier III disciplinary hearing, petitioner was found guilty of the charges. That determination was upheld upon administrative appeal. This CPLR article 78 proceeding ensued. We confirm. The misbehavior report, the testimony of its author and the detailed confidential testimony and information provide substantial evidence supporting the finding of guilt (see Matter of Johansel v. Annucci, 155 AD3d 1147, 1148 [2017]; Matter of Chandler v. Annucci, 135 AD3d 1258, 1259 [2016]; Matter of Baez v. Bellnier, 131 AD3d 771, 771 [2015]; Matter of Pompey v. Prack, 128 AD3d 1251, 1252 [2015]). Contrary to petitioner’s contention, the Hearing Officer’s confidential interviews with a confidential informant and the correction officer who authored the misbehavior report and conducted the investigation was sufficiently detailed and specific to independently assess the reliability of the confidential information (see Matter of Williams v. Fischer, 18 NY3d 888, 890 [2012]; Matter of Ortiz v. Annucci, 163 AD3d 1383, 1384 [2018]; Matter of DeJesus v. Venettozzi, 145 AD3d 1275, 1276 [2016], lv denied 29 NY3d 908 [2017]). Furthermore, “there was no reason to think that the informant was motivated by a promise of reward from the prison officials or a personal vendetta against petitioner” (Matter of Williams v. Fischer, 18 NY3d at 890; see Matter of Carbuccia v. Venettozzi, 194 AD3d 1179, 1180 [2021]). With regard to petitioner’s procedural challenges, the misbehavior report was sufficiently detailed to provide him with adequate notice of the charges so as to enable him to prepare a defense (see 7 NYCRR 251-3.1 [c]). “Inasmuch as the misbehavior report was the result of an ongoing investigation and based upon confidential information, the lack of specific dates and times, as well as the withholding of the names of the other [incarcerated individuals] involved, was acceptable” (Matter of Ortiz v. Annucci, 163 AD3d at 1384 [internal quotation marks and citations omitted]; see Matter of Willacy v. Fischer, 67 AD3d 1099, 1100 [2009]). We also reject petitioner’s contention that he was denied the right to call the confidential informant as a witness, as he does not have a right to confront or crossexamine the confidential informant (see Matter of Heard v. Annucci, 155 AD3d 1166, 1167 [2017]; Matter of Tulloch v. Fischer, 90 AD3d 1370, 1371 [2011]; see also Matter of Laureano v. Kuhlmann, 75 NY2d 141, 147-148 [1990]). We have considered petitioner’s remaining contentions and find them to be either unpreserved or without merit. Lynch, J.P., Aarons, Pritzker, Reynolds Fitzgerald and Colangelo, 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
November 27, 2024
London

Celebrating achievement, excellence, and innovation in the legal profession in the UK.


Learn More
December 02, 2024 - December 03, 2024
Scottsdale, AZ

Join the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers and financiers for the real estate healthcare event of the year!


Learn More
December 11, 2024
Las Vegas, NV

This event shines a spotlight on how individuals and firms are changing the investment advisory industry where it matters most.


Learn More

Role TitleAssociate General Counsel, Global EmploymentGrade F13Reporting ToSenior Legal Counsel, Global EmploymentProgram/Tool/ Department/U...


Apply Now ›

Ryan & Conlon, LLP, is a boutique firm specializing in insurance defense. We are a small eclectic practice with a busy and fast paced en...


Apply Now ›

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROSECUTION PARALEGAL - NEW JERSEY OR NEW YORK OFFICESProminent mid-Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office lo...


Apply Now ›