Mosquera, Swain, & McKnight: N.J. Dept. of Corrections head’s resignation was ‘necessary’

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Assemblywomen Gabriela Mosquera (D-4), Lisa Swain (D-38), and Angela McKnight (D-31) are weighing in on New Jersey Department of Corrections Commissioner Marcus Hicks’ resignation, calling it “necessary” for the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women to move forward.

Former New Jersey Department of Corrections Commissioner Marcus Hicks. Screenshot via YouTube.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“Yesterday’s report was a truly disturbing look into the many failings of a system that allowed the women in its care to be assaulted and degraded by guards. This incriminating investigation highlighted significant issues in the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility that were ignored by those in a position of power to prevent and combat these problems,” the three electeds said in a joint statement.

“The commissioner’s resignation is necessary to usher in new leadership that can help prevent these kinds of human rights violations from ever taking place again. We must restore the rights of prisoners who have endured abuse for far too long by ensuring they are treated with respect and dignity going forward.”

Hicks resigned about 24 hours after the release of an investigative report into the January 11th assaults at Edna Mahan prison. In light of Hicks stepping down, NJ DOC Chief of Staff Victoria Kuhn has been named acting director.

Yesterday, McKnight came out in support of Gov. Phil Murphy’s (D) decision to eventually close the Edna Mahan facility after instances of physical and sexual abuse, along with mismanagement, were documented.

The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has charged 10 corrections office for inmate assault and/or trying to cover up assaults, which began after The Star-Ledger began publishing reports of malfeasance at the jail.


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