Rodiny Calypso, Assault and False Report, New York 2014

Rodiny Calypso, a New York City correction officer, has been charged with assaulting an inmate at Rikers Island and filing a false report to cover up the incident. The charges were unsealed in Manhattan federal court today.

According to the complaint, Calypso punched and elbowed the inmate in the head and face without physical provocation while the inmate was handcuffed behind his back. He then allegedly filed a false report to cover up the incident.

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said, "Rodiny Calypso allegedly violated a Rikers Island inmate’s constitutional rights by viciously beating him – without physical provocation – while the inmate was restrained in handcuffs. As we have said before, the protections of our Constitution extend to those in prisons, and this Office will remain vigilant about protecting the rights of all, including those confined within the walls of Rikers Island."

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. added, "Today, Rodiny Calypso, a New York City Correction Officer, is charged with subjecting an inmate to cruel, unnecessary, and inappropriate punishment—behavior that simply won’t be tolerated. The rules that apply to the appropriate use of force are specific and clear, and the vast majority of those within the law enforcement community are quick to adhere to them."

The incident occurred on February 27, 2014, at the Otis Bantum Correctional Center, a maximum-security facility within Rikers Island. According to the complaint, Calypso punched the inmate several times in the face and put him in a headlock, causing him to lose his footing. Another correction officer, Officer-1, arrived and restrained the inmate, allowing Calypso to regain his footing.

Calypso was arrested today and is expected to be presented in federal court later today. He is charged with violating the inmate’s constitutional rights and filing a false report.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and investigated by the FBI. The charges against Calypso carry a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

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