A former corrections officer at Green Haven Correctional Facility and his supervisor face charges of assaulting an inmate, then falsifying reports to cover up the incident.
According to a Dec. 15 U.S. Department of Justice news release, former corrections officer Taj Everly, 32, was charged with falsifying documents and depriving rights under color of law relation to the alleged assault, which occurred May 28, 2020. Rosita Rossy, a former sergeant at Green Haven, has been charged with falsifying records, witness tampering and conspiracy to fabricate documents.
“Correction Officer Taj Everly allegedly assaulted an inmate in his charge. Instead of upholding his duty to guard and protect that inmate, he deprived him of a constitutional right to be free from excessive force," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in the release. "Afterwards, Everly and his supervisor, Sergeant Rosita Rossy, attempted to cover up the assault by falsifying their reports, and in Rossy’s case, directing other correction officers under her supervision to do the same.
Everly is charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law with a 10-year maximum sentence and one count of falsifying records in relation to a federal investigation, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, according to the release.
Rossy faces charges of falsifying records in a federal investigation with a maximum 10-year sentence, two counts of witness tampering with each carry 20-year maximum sentences and one count of conspiracy to falsify records with a five-year maximum sentence, the release reported.
"Today’s superseding indictment underscores our office’s unwavering commitment to protecting the civil rights of all individuals, including those repaying their debt to society in prison,” Williams added, according to the release.
Rossy was detained and was brought before Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause, according to the release. Everly was granted bail and will appear before a judge at a later date.
“Mr. Everly violated his oath to conceal his malicious actions – actions we allege today deprived the victim of his constitutional rights," Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI New York Office Michael J. Driscoll said in the release. "We further allege Ms. Rossy made false reports – and instructed correctional officers she supervised to make similarly false reports – in a concerted effort to conceal Mr. Everly’s actions. The FBI will continue to work to ensure those in positions of trust who misuse their authority are made to face the consequences of their abuses in the criminal justice system.”
