SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – The blue wall cracked a little wider today. Brandon Montanari, 34, of East Concord, New York, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison followed by 2 years of supervised release for a vicious assault on an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility. The conviction stems from a late-night beating and subsequent cover-up, a grim reminder that abuse still festers within the system.
According to court documents, Montanari, along with fellow corrections officers Rohail Kahn, age 28, and Michael Williams, age 38, brutally attacked the inmate in April 2023. The three officers allegedly punched and kicked the inmate without provocation in a hallway, turning a supposed secure facility into a scene of unprovoked violence. But the beating wasn’t the end of it. They then conspired to lie to internal investigators, attempting to bury the truth and shield themselves from accountability.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III didn’t mince words. “I recognize how difficult it is to work as a corrections officer in New York State, but nobody is above the law,” Sarcone stated. “It is unacceptable for a corrections officer to assault an inmate. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate these types of incidents and, where appropriate, bring federal criminal charges.” This case sends a clear message: a badge doesn’t grant license to inflict harm.
The FBI, leading the investigation with assistance from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations, isn’t letting up. “Mr. Montanari admitted to assaulting an inmate and lying to cover it up. Now he is headed to federal prison,” declared FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli. “Today’s sentence proves the FBI will not look the other way when an officer violates the laws they are sworn to uphold.” The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse and obstruction.
Montanari’s plea confirms he deprived the inmate of his rights under color of law – a serious federal offense. While 37 months is a start, many will question whether it’s enough for such a blatant betrayal of public trust. Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2025, and Khan on September 29, 2025, both before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Their fates now hang in the balance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Michael D. Gadarian are prosecuting this case, a grim testament to the ongoing need for federal oversight of state correctional facilities. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentences of Kahn and Williams, as well as any further revelations that emerge from this disturbing incident at Mid-State Correctional Facility. This isn’t about punishing corrections officers; it’s about holding them accountable when they cross the line and become the perpetrators of violence.”
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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