Former prison guard waives assault charges to court
A former Fayette County Prison guard waived charges to court Monday for allegedly assaulting an inmate.
Robert John Michael Jr., 40, of Point Marion allegedly used excessive force on the inmate during a cell extraction in March.
His arrest was recommended by the Office of the Attorney General in November.
Fayette County Prison Deputy Warden Michael Zavada said in a report that Michael used hammer fist strikes and foot strikes against the inmate in areas that are not approved striking areas.
William Russell allegedly became combative as he was being transported to the medical unit of the prison. Officers used Mace on him.
Russell was cuffed and shackled when Michael allegedly punched him in the stomach. When the inmate fell to the ground, he allegedly stomped on him.
Uniontown City Police Department Lt. Tom Kolencik, a former guard at the prison, testified before the grand jury that the prison’s use-of-force policy requires guards only use force for protection. He said that in his experience only “very minimal force” should be used against an inmate who has been cuffed, shackled and maced.
According to court documents, Michael was trained in use of force in January 2014.
Russell made a statement that was read before the grand jury, saying he was punched and thrown from wall to wall, then dragged down the steps.
Another corrections officer, Michael DeWitt, made a statement saying he saw Michael punch the inmate in the stomach once.
Guard Thomas Hoffman, who extracted the inmate with Michael, said he saw him stomp the inmate while he was on the ground. He said he pulled the officer off Russell.
The 37th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury heard testimony and reviewed video evidence Oct. 21.
Michael was hired in March 2010 as a part-time officer at the prison and promoted to a full-time position in September 2011. He was fired May 27, according to Fayette County Chief Clerk Amy Revak.
Michael waived charges of official oppression, simple assault and reckless endangerment to the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas.
He is free on a $25,000 unsecured bond.