The following was typed 2/13/98 by Ann Louck from George Skatzes' 16 Pages of handwritten notes (and taken over from here):
George W. Skatzes A-173-501
P. O. Box 5500, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
LETTER TO: Jeffrey F. Kelleher, Attorney At Law
The Leader Building -Suite 410 Cleveland, Ohio 44114
April 14, 1994
RE: Visits From The Highway Patrol -(Plot)
Dear Mr. Kelleher,
I would like to take the time to write about the actions of the
Highway Patrol and to give my opinion on the plot to pressure me into
turning States evidence against the alleged key figures in the
Lucasville riot. My first meeting with the Highway Patrol -one Sgt.
Howard W. Hudson and another trooper - (name unknown) -came about on
10-19-1993.
On said date -10-19-1993 -Captain Adams - a Captain
with the Chillicothe Correctional Institution -came to my cell and told
me that I had an Attorney Visit.
Even though at this time I
did not have an Attorney, I didn't think Captain Adams would lie to me. I
went on the visit fully expecting to meet an Attorney!
Captain Adams took me to a room upstairs. Upon entering the room Sgt.
Hudson introduced himself and identified himself as one representing the
State of Ohio. Sgt. Hudson made the statement about the other trooper
and himself- "Obviously we are not Lawyers -we want to talk to you about
the riot -give you the chance to roll -etc."
I understand they have a
job to do -but why do they feel it is so necessary to keep the fact that
they came to see me so quiet? I didn't tell them anything and I have
nothing to hide! Sgt. Hudson further stated that they didn't tell
anybody about coming to see me. Why are they so deceitful? They make it
appear that I have something to hide right off. Was it their plan to use
me -to set me up from the very start? After the visit and upon
returning to the north hole -I immediately [told?] the two (2) inmates
I'm back here with, that I had a visit from the Highway Patrol.
Referring to the visit of 10-19-1993 -I feel they really tried to
pressure me into making a statement about the riot and the alleged key
figures. To cut a long story short -they told me how they were in the
process of getting all of their people (snitches) on this side -(their
side) -and the ones that would not help them -they would be on the other
side and left to fight for themselves.
On the visit of
10-19-1993 Sgt. Hudson and the other trooper straight out told me if I
did Not help them they would see to it that I would spend the rest of my
life in prison -no matter if I went to trial on riot related charges or
not. Of course they reminded me how they can keep me in prison with no
problem since I am doing a life sentence for aggravated murder to begin
with. They went on to tell me if I helped them -they could help me. I
told them that there is no way I could do anything to help them -and
with that the visit ended and I was returned to the north hole.
At this point I didn't figure the Highway Patrol would ever attempt to
talk to me again. Knowing how the system works -and being an obvious
target for retaliation -I set my mind to doing the rest of my life in
prison!
Moving on to 3-31-1994- Sgt. Fouty- a sergeant at
Chillicothe Correctional Institution -came and told me I had a visit. I
didn't ask him what kind of a visit -family member -friend or lawyer.
Figuring it was a regular visit -I went through the strip search
procedure. Sgt. Fouty cuffed me up and he took me out to the visit. Upon
leaving the north hole -walking up the steps and into the hallway -I
started to turn left and go to the regular visiting area. At this point
Sgt. Fouty directed me to this office off to my right -Not the regular
visiting area!
The Visit on 3-31-1994 -upon entering the room I
noticed a few members of the Staff from here -Chillicothe. At this
point I couldn't figure out what the visit was all about.
Then
to my surprise I became aware of Sgt. Hudson's presence! This is
another visit with the Highway Patrol. Everybody cleared out -then I
found myself in this room with Sgt. Hudson and some other trooper (name
unknown). Also the Prosecutor handling the Lucasville riot -I don't know
his name either.
So in the room -three (3) State Officials
and myself. Sgt. Hudson read me my rights and he told me anything I say
can and will be used against me. Sgt. Hudson went on to tell me how they
are there to see me one last time. If I do not help them Now -the next
time they come they will have some indictments for me. He then informed
me that I would be charged with Three (3) Capital Murder cases! At this
point I told Sgt Hudson I could not make such a serious decision without
first talking to my Investigator, whom I fully trust. They have been
keeping her from visiting me - so Sgt. Hudson or somebody would have to
make special arrangements to get her Approved for a visit. When I stated
that I really needed to talk with my Investigator, Sgt. Hudson picked
up the phone as if he would call her for me. I then told him a phone
call would not do. I would have to talk with my Investigator face to
face and (4 to 5 words at bottom of Page 4 not printed out by Copier).
At this point I had nothing more to say to these people. The one
trooper did ask me how they would know what my decision would be once I
talked to my Investigator. I then told this trooper that after our visit
-if they would in fact set the visit up for us -I would have my
Investigator call them to inform them as to what the decision would be.
That was about all that was said at this point. I was taken back to the
north hole.
Here is something worth making a note of. After
requesting the visit with my Investigator, Sgt. Hudson didn't outright
agree to setting the visit up, but I figured he would. Keep in mind also
that I had [to] ask to talk to anybody from the Highway Patrol or the
Prosecutor's Office. I ask them to set up a visit for me with my
Investigator. This visit was to be between [her] and [me] only!
At this point there was no way for me to know just how Sgt. Hudson
would handle the setting up of the visit. Later I found out that Sgt.
Hudson called my Investigator on 3-31-1994, right after our visit. I was
told that Sgt. Hudson told the Investigator that I agreed to talk to
them -but wanted her there to make sure everything went alright. This is
a Falsehood! Seems to me that Sgt. Hudson lied to my Investigator!
Again -after requesting to see my Investigator on a visit face to face
-I [do not?] have to talk with anybody from the Highway Patrol or the
Prosecutor's Office. I clearly stated that my Investigator would call
them after our visit with my decision. I feel strongly that Sgt. Hudson
[did not] have to deceive my Investigator by telling her I agreed to
make a Statement and I wanted to have her there to ensure things would
go right! That was wrong on his part!
Now let me make a note on
what took place Tues. evening 4-5-1994. This does play a part in this
Plot the Highway Patrol is acting out.
At this point a Mr.
Coyle, the Deputy Warden here, enters the room. He ask me if I felt it
would be wise for me to go back to the north hole. This shocked me! I
surely wasn't expecting such a move from these people! I told Mr. Coyle
that I have done nothing wrong and there is nothing for me to hide!
I further stated that if I [did] go back to the north hole, this would
make me look like a snitch! Mr. Coyle asked me if the other inmates
here in the north hole would think of me as a snitch anyway. I asked him
why should they even have such a thought in their mind. At this point I
told Mr. Coyle that I would not go to any other lock other than the
north hole! Period! At this time Mr. Coyle left the room. I have no idea
where he went or what was going on. I just sat there waiting for them
to take me back to the north hole.
Something worth make a note
of: Every time I talked to the Highway Patrol, which was twice as I
described in this writing, I always told the other inmates I am in the
north hole with. Twice before this visit of Wed. 4-6-1994. I should say,
to keep the record straight. It is my policy to be as up and [?] as
possible with the other inmates here in the north hole. I have nothing
to hide. However, I [did not?] tell them about my Investigator coming to
visit me on Wed. 4-6-1994. I kept that hush hush and to myself to
ensure the fact that I would have the visit with no problems. On my
word, just as soon as I came off the visit that day I had every
intention of telling the other inmates about my visit and how I went
about getting it. I play it straight with these people. Never have I
lied to them about anything!
As far as the other inmates of
the north hole knew, I was going to visit my Lawyer on that Wed.
4-6-1994. This is not what I told them. In fact, I didn't tell them
anything. They just took it for granted that I was going to visit my
lawyer.
Back to the room upstairs. After the visit Sgt.
Wilson, Sgt. Fouty and C.O. Ackley were present of course. I was still
cuffed to the table. We were just waiting to see what they were going to
do with me since I told them I wanted to go back to the north hole.
All in all, I spent about three (3) hours cuffed to that table.
Cutting a long story short, Mr. Coyle finally came in the room and told
me it was the decision of Central Office that I [not] go back to the
north hole and said decision was Non-negotiable! So the truth is these
people created a very serious situation for me -then they made me run
and hide from the problem they created! I was made to look like a [?]
put the lives of my love ones on the line, as well as my life, and they
didn't think anything of it!
At this point I was forced to
move to three (3) house. Three (3) house is another lock up block for
the inmates at Chillicothe. The north hole is used at this time for
three (3) inmates from Lucasville only.
When I left the room I
had the visit in, I was confronted by several Correction Officers,
exact number unknown. They had the video camera. They must have expected
some trouble out of me. Keep in mind, I went to three (3) house under a
very strong objection! I wanted to be brought back to the north hole! I
have done nothing to run and hide from! No way did I give the Highway
Patrol or the Prosecutor any info, statement or anything! There was no
reason for me to leave the north hole! They only forced this move upon
me so I would look like a snitch!
Let me back up to the
conversation with Mr. Coyle for just a minute. Mr. Coyle told me that he
would see to it that I would be transferred out of Chillicothe within
the next couple of days. Being very honest about it, I have no doubt
been treated the very worst while being locked in this north hole. Out
of the three (3) of us back here, I am the most disrespected. It is a
long story, but I do receive the worst treatment, so I would sure
welcome a transfer out of Chillicothe!
I'm sitting in three
(3) house Wed. night 4-6-1994 knowing very well that the other two (2)
inmates in the north hole figured I turned State's evidence since I did
not come back. This whole sleazy set up sure caused all of us to go
through a lot of head changes and it could have put a lot of lives on
the line! That is had this not been cleared up. This sleazy move was set
up and carried out in an effort to defame me also!
Going to
Thurs. morning 4-7-1994. I was called back up to the room in which I had
the visit in. At this point in time the Warden Mr. Coyle and a Gary
Moore talked to me. I voiced my very strong objection to these people
for the way I was forced to move out of the north hole! Not that I care
so much about liking the north hole. but the way they forced me to move.
I was made to look like a snitch! I talked with the above mentioned
people for a while. I expressed my views as to how they cut the lives of
my love ones in danger. That fact didn't seem to matter at all! To cut a
long story short, at this time, again I was told that I would be
transferred out of Chillicothe within the next few days. At this point
these people told me they would be getting back to me no later than
Monday 4-11-1994. to let me know where they would be transferring me.
Soon I left the room, went to rec., shower and to get my property. So
all in all I figured I would be leaving Chillicothe soon. That was that.
Now Phase Two (2) of the Plot:
Thurs. afternoon
4-7-1994. Sanders is scheduled to go to Scioto County to answer the last
Indictment he received. It is my strong belief that they had this whole
thing planned. The Highway Patrol and the Prosecutors! By no means are
these events any sort of coincidence! In my opinion. what they done was
very sleazy and evil! They should not be allow to get away with this!
So Sanders goes out to the Scioto County Jail. Strange as it may seem.
but this time not like the other time he was placed in the Scioto
County Jail, he was locked on a range with several other inmates from
Mansfield and Lucasville. So here we have Sanders armed with the
knowledge that I went out on a visit the day before and I [did not]
return! Since he is so conveniently placed on this range with the other
inmates from the other prisons. Also for some reason he was left on this
range for 45 minutes to one (1) hour. He was able to talk to everybody
and pass on the info as he knew it. I went out on a visit and [did not]
return. Anybody that has any knowledge of prison life understands how
the inmates will take that info and run with it! So there is no doubt
that I am labeled as a snitch now! This was their evil plan! It is up to
me to clean up what they have done to me! The damage has been done !
Another point -of course Thurs. 4-7-1994 I did not have this info. but
I found out later. Somehow Sanders’ lawyer heard about the Indictment
he received Tues. 4-5-1994. so to keep Sanders from going to Court alone
on Thurs. 4-7-1994, he faxed a Motion to Scioto County on Wed. 4-6-
1994 in an effort to have Sanders' Arraignment postponed. They had the
Motion in plenty of time. so it would have been no problem for them to
postpone the Arraignment. but doing so would have messed up their plot
to have the word put out that it looks as if I turned snitch! One hell
of a Plot!
Well, as it was, I was sitting in three (3) house
waiting to get transferred out of Chillicothe. All the while a lot of
damage, serious damage was being done to my character! Because I won't
help these people by snitching, they put me through all this! It is not
right!
Moving along to Friday 4-8-1994 about noon or so. C.O.
Ackley came to three (3) house and told me I had a visit. I ask him who
the visitor might be. He did not know but he said he would find out for
me. I told him if it was somebody from the Highway Patrol or the
Prosecutor's Office, I would not talk to them! I would refuse the visit!
Mr. Ackley then left to go find out who was here.
It wasn't
long after Mr. Ackley left, Mr. Coyle came to talk to me. He told me
that Gary Moore was here to see me. Mr. Coyle further stated that they
might move me back to the north hole. First off I would have no problem
talking to Gary Moore, he treated me very fair and with the utmost
respect. So I went with Mr Coyle to talk to Gary Moore.
They took me to the room that I had the visit in on Wed. 4-6-1994. The Warden, Mr. Coyle and Gary Moore were present.
Cutting a long story short, they told me I would be moving back to the
north hole that day! I can't believe this! First I am told how I can't
go back to the north hole after my visit, then I'm told I will be
transferred out of Chillicothe. Now on Friday, for some reason, I can
return to the north hole! Well, they were able to carry out their Plan
-the damage has already been done -I was made to look like a snitch, so
it no longer matters where I am housed! One hell of a head game!
Making a Note of this, both Wed. 4-6-1994 and Thurs. 4-7-1994 when I
talked to the Warden Mr. Coyle and Gary Moore, I really tried my very
best to make these people understand the very serious position I was put
in. I begged them to at least let me come down here to the north hole
and face these inmates. I wanted to explain to them that I [didn’t] roll
or snitch on anybody! They would not let me do this, so I had to ride
it out! In prison a man's name and his word means everything and when
these people set out to destroy a man like this, it is not easy to take!
Friday afternoon 4-8-1994 around 3:00 p.m. or so I moved back
to the north hole, but they have yet another Phase to the head game
they are playing!
Before I moved back into the north hole, for
no visible reason they [?] one of the other inmates housed in the north
hole to move. They moved him down to three (3) house and as of the date
of this writing, he is still down there! There was really no reason for
this move.
I had a visit with my Lawyer on Sunday 4-10-1994
and he informed me that phone calls were made to Chillicothe to make
sure I was still here. This was done on Friday 4-8-1994 and these people
wouldn't even tell the caller I was here! They play a mean game when
one will not cooperate with them.
At a later date I plan to
expand on this writing and go into full detail about the treatment I
have received in this north hole and everything. This is just a brief
writing to expose the plot and have it notorized before the three (3)
Capital Murder Indictments are served on me. I feel they are coming Very
Soon!
After being duly sworn -on my word I swear that the
statements in this writing are true and correct to the very best of my
knowledge. I swear to the truthfulness of this writing as I shall answer
unto My God.
Notorized on the 15th day of April 15, 1994
Signed by: George W. Skatzes
Notary: Angelina J. Remy, State of Ohio
Commission Expires March 21 , 1996
------------------
Republished on the website for LucasvilleAmnesty,org
URL: Georgeskatzes.org
Showing posts with label prison uprisings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prison uprisings. Show all posts
Friday, February 13, 1998
Sunday, September 28, 1997
Account of Death Row Uprising in Mansfield CI
Account of Mansfield Death Row Uprising, by John Perotti, Sonny Williams, with a letter from George Skatzes (around Sept. 1997)
Taken over from: http://georgeskatzes.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=geo&action=display&thread=61
Prisoner Abuse By ODRC Employees Continues At Mansfield
UPDATE: During a telephone conversation with Sonny Williams, coordinator for the OPRU, the following info was revealed:
Taken over from: http://georgeskatzes.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=geo&action=display&thread=61
Prisoner Abuse By ODRC Employees Continues At Mansfield
UPDATE: During a telephone conversation with Sonny Williams, coordinator for the OPRU, the following info was revealed:
John Perotti,
well-known prisoner/activist now incarcerated at Trumball in
Levittsburg, OH, has joined the juices-only fast of Sonny Williams and
the below named prisoners, in solidarity with their brothers on Death
Row in Mansfield. A DR prisoner's family member has been denied a visit
three separate times since the Sept 5 uprising. Not one DR-4 prisoner
has been allowed a visit from family members or friends since the
uprising.
Sonny Williams of the Ohio Prisoners' Rights Union, during an interview on Oct 29, issued the following statement:
On Oct 15, I went on a liquids fast only in support of Death Row prisoners in Mansfield. On Oct. 16, George Skatzes joined me, and on Oct 17, Jerry Hessler joined us. Since Sept. 5, on the Death Row 4 Range, no prisoner has had a visit from friends or family as punishment. Until friends and family get a visit with one of the 36 prisoners on DR 4 range, this fast will continue.
To offer support and encouragement to those fasting write:
Ohio Prisoners' Rights Union
530 East 13th St.
Cincinnati OH 45210
Several inmates on Death Row in Mansfield Ohio who have family / friends sending them money, have been given tickets and are being brought up on charges for destroying prison property during the riot on Sept 5th. The inmates in question, are the ones who locked themselves in two's and three's in cells for protection, and were beaten by the guards. These inmates did not destroy any property, yet they are going to be made to pay for damages.
ONE may well ask and speculate as to the reason for the above treatment of prisoners. One may also wonder why the ODRC is letting rumors fly about a prisoner work-stoppage. One may wonder, but one must realize that the situation in OHIO prisons is at a dangerous level and even the most facetious call for prisoner unity, or the most feeble showing of such, is all the ODRC needs to exert its muscle. The below article recounts in vivid detail the Mansfield Uprising as witnessed and experienced by George Skatzes, the so-called ringleader of the Lucasville Riot. By his own testimony and that of others, Mr. Skatzes was one of the many who did not participate in destruction of property or person. Yet, he is being forced, as are the others, to bear the price of repair of the damaged section of Death Row in Mansfield. The money is being seized from inmate accounts as the families try to supply their loved ones' needs from their own free-world accounts.
Where is Lady Justice? Has she become completely blind to the abuses and mean-spirited actions of the ODRC? FAMILIES -- aren't you bothered at all by the vindictive and unconscionable treatment that the Mansfield Death Row prisoners must suffer? Do you not understand that a prisoner is a prisoner is a prisoner, be he/she in max, close, med, min, or non-detained or parole status? Where is your voice? Do you not realize that you have another Lucasville brewing in many prisons throughout the state? WAKE UP!!! Uncover your groggy heads and tell your representatives and senators "NO MORE!!!" Support the efforts of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, OSPOC, CURE-OHIO, FADS, OHIO DEATH ROW SUPPORT PROJECT, and others to stop this deliberate and unjustified misuse of public trust and governmental authority.
Ed. The editors of this Bulletin have a great deal of new material concerning the April 1993 rebellion at Lucasville, which we are eager to share with readers. we want to discuss, among other things:
- plea bargains and inconsistent statements by "snitches";
- the so-called "death qualified jury";
- "kidnapping";
- a full description of Skatzes efforts to save the lives and ease the fear and discomfort experienced by other prisoners and captured guards during the insurrection.
But contemporary occurances on Death Row continue to require us to report first about what is happening right now.
On Sept 5th,1997, a disturbance occurred in DR-4, the area of Ohio`s Death Row where the Lucasville Five and 32 other condemned men are housed.
The Media Version
Initial reports of the disturbance told a relatively straightforward story. The incident began at 5pm when inmates overpowered 3 guards, took their keys, and freed other death row inmates. Several hours later, a prison tactical squad fired tear gas into the unit and regained control. Three guards and four inmates were said to have been injured, but there were few details. Authorities indicated: "We`re not sure what triggered it. Nor do we know the leader." (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Sept 6 1997).
Spin control started in Columbus, the state capital, The Columbus Dispatch began its story: "Those responsible for the deadly 1993 Lucasville prison riot were among the Death Row inmates who took control."
The Dispatch went on to quote the first of many misleading statements from warden Ralph Coyle. "Some of the injuries may have been inflicted by other inmates before prison officials regained control," Coyle said.
The story added without comment: "Wilford Berry, who has volunteered to become the first inmate executed in the state since 1963, was also housed in the same area." (Columbus Dispatch, Sept 6 1997).
Within 24 hrs Berry`s presence in DR-4 had given rise to a full-fledged official theory: An inmate who has volunteered for execution may have provided the spark that touched off a five-hour riot Friday among the most dangerous prisoners on death row.... Berry, 34, suffered severe injuries at the hands of his fellow Death Row inmates during the uprising, Coyle said.
George Skatzes` sister, Jackie Bowers, told the paper that Berry was unpopular but that "her brother isn`t among those who dislike Berry. She said he told her he feels that Berry doesn`t have the mental ability to make decisions about his appeal."
Bowers also said that tensions had been mounting on Death Row because of the conditions that prompted the summer hunger strike. "They just keep taking things away and punishing them and punishing them" she said, adding that after the fast, the Five had lost the right to receive "sundry boxes" from relatives.
Warden Coyle denied any connection between the fast and the disturbance, claiming that he had granted the Five more privileges after the hunger strike ended. (Columbus Dispatch Sept 7 1997)
The controversy about the fast and the riot continued elsewhere. Sonny Williams of the Ohio Prisoners Rights Union told the Youngstown Vindicator Sept 7 1997: Prison administrators have ignored warnings for months that there could be problems on Death Row. He said inmates are not provided with proper medical care and some death row inmates have been denied priveleges granted to others on death row, such as access to tv`s and radios. Coyle said there were no warning signs....
As the hours passed, it became clear that all injuries to guards had been minor, whereas several inmates had been seriously hurt. Richland County Prosecutor James Mayer, Jr, entered DR-4 shortly after the riot ended. "You had to be careful because there were few places where there wasn`t any blood," he told the local paper. Mayer also confessed puzzlement as to how the state could punish those responsible. " I can`t think of anything else we could do to them. They`re already facing the worst the state could give them." (Mansfield News Journal, Sept 7, 1997)
Warden Coyle concurred that if the most dangerous prisoners were involved in the riot, there wasn`t much that could be done to punish them. "You really can`t do much more," he stated. (Columbus Dispatch Sept. 9, 1997)
WHAT GEORGE SAYS
When George Skatzes was interviewed on Sept. 10, his public defender reported visible lacerations over both eyes and on one ear, where guards had banged his head against a wall. By Sept. 16, Skatzes` wounds had healed and he was ready to tell his story. He carefully distinguished between what he had seen, what he had heard from others, and what he inferred to be true.
The disturbance began about 5pm when supper trays were brought in. George was locked in his cell at the time. About half an hour later inmates came to George`s cell and unlocked it. He told them that he wanted no part of what was going on, and asked to be left alone. He remained in his cell throughout the disturbance.
Inmates were milling around in the public area of the pod. "No one was doing anything, " George says. Inmates tried to arrange themselves, 2 or 3 to a cell, in case there should be violence. At any time the guards could have come in and peacefully regained control, according to Skatzes. He saw no inmate-to-inmate violence whatsoever. He saw no shanks or clubs. The only object that could be considered a "weapon" was an unlocked body chain. "All they [the guards] had to do was come in," Skatzes insisted.
George advised others of the Lucasville Five not to get on the phone to negotiate, lest, as in 1993, this cause them to be viewed by the authorities as ringleaders.
Time ticked away. Inmates conjectured that the authorities were hoping "for the body count to pile up" so that inmates could be severely punished. But there was no body count, and unlike 1993, there were no hostages.
About 10pm George looked through the window of his cell into the corridor and saw men in gas masks. Then came a loud banging, followed by a noise like the firing of shotguns. A cannister came through the cell window, shattering the glass, striking George directly, and causing minor cuts on George`s arms. At least five cannisters were shot into his cell; one of the cannisters lodged on his top bunk, among his legal papers. He felt as if gasoline had been poured over him and set afire. The hair on his arms stood straight up, and turned white. He couldn't breathe. He lay down on the floor, thinking he was going to die. He could not see his hand in front of his face.
After about 15 minutes, as if by a miracle, the fog of tear gas lifted. George got up and leaned towards the hole in his cell window to get some air. A guard sprayed liquid mace through the hole. George told him, "you don`t have to do that. I`m no threat to you." George put a blanket on the floor, sat down on it, and waited. Everything in the cell was white from the tear gas.
About an hour later "bunches" of masked guards, wearing black ninja suits, came into DR-4. Two of them told George to stand and put his face to the wall. His hearing is not good, and had been affected by the shotgun-like sounds when the tear gas was first fired, but as soon as he understood what was wanted he complied.
The guard went into Jason Robb`s cell next door. Jason was told to strip to his underwear. He was then beaten very badly (but did not lose an eye as the prison grapevine once reported). George could hear beating, screaming, mumbling from the cell next door. A man who was with Jason in the cell told George later that Jason didn`t say a word to provoke the assault.
When the guards came to George`s cell, they told him to get down on his knees, with his hands behind his head. At least three of them then opened the door and stormed in. They asked no questions but "started beating on me". George did not resist, but rolled himself into a tight ball, trying to protect his head.
Sonny Williams of the Ohio Prisoners' Rights Union, during an interview on Oct 29, issued the following statement:
On Oct 15, I went on a liquids fast only in support of Death Row prisoners in Mansfield. On Oct. 16, George Skatzes joined me, and on Oct 17, Jerry Hessler joined us. Since Sept. 5, on the Death Row 4 Range, no prisoner has had a visit from friends or family as punishment. Until friends and family get a visit with one of the 36 prisoners on DR 4 range, this fast will continue.
To offer support and encouragement to those fasting write:
Ohio Prisoners' Rights Union
530 East 13th St.
Cincinnati OH 45210
Several inmates on Death Row in Mansfield Ohio who have family / friends sending them money, have been given tickets and are being brought up on charges for destroying prison property during the riot on Sept 5th. The inmates in question, are the ones who locked themselves in two's and three's in cells for protection, and were beaten by the guards. These inmates did not destroy any property, yet they are going to be made to pay for damages.
ONE may well ask and speculate as to the reason for the above treatment of prisoners. One may also wonder why the ODRC is letting rumors fly about a prisoner work-stoppage. One may wonder, but one must realize that the situation in OHIO prisons is at a dangerous level and even the most facetious call for prisoner unity, or the most feeble showing of such, is all the ODRC needs to exert its muscle. The below article recounts in vivid detail the Mansfield Uprising as witnessed and experienced by George Skatzes, the so-called ringleader of the Lucasville Riot. By his own testimony and that of others, Mr. Skatzes was one of the many who did not participate in destruction of property or person. Yet, he is being forced, as are the others, to bear the price of repair of the damaged section of Death Row in Mansfield. The money is being seized from inmate accounts as the families try to supply their loved ones' needs from their own free-world accounts.
Where is Lady Justice? Has she become completely blind to the abuses and mean-spirited actions of the ODRC? FAMILIES -- aren't you bothered at all by the vindictive and unconscionable treatment that the Mansfield Death Row prisoners must suffer? Do you not understand that a prisoner is a prisoner is a prisoner, be he/she in max, close, med, min, or non-detained or parole status? Where is your voice? Do you not realize that you have another Lucasville brewing in many prisons throughout the state? WAKE UP!!! Uncover your groggy heads and tell your representatives and senators "NO MORE!!!" Support the efforts of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, OSPOC, CURE-OHIO, FADS, OHIO DEATH ROW SUPPORT PROJECT, and others to stop this deliberate and unjustified misuse of public trust and governmental authority.
Ed. The editors of this Bulletin have a great deal of new material concerning the April 1993 rebellion at Lucasville, which we are eager to share with readers. we want to discuss, among other things:
- plea bargains and inconsistent statements by "snitches";
- the so-called "death qualified jury";
- "kidnapping";
- a full description of Skatzes efforts to save the lives and ease the fear and discomfort experienced by other prisoners and captured guards during the insurrection.
But contemporary occurances on Death Row continue to require us to report first about what is happening right now.
On Sept 5th,1997, a disturbance occurred in DR-4, the area of Ohio`s Death Row where the Lucasville Five and 32 other condemned men are housed.
The Media Version
Initial reports of the disturbance told a relatively straightforward story. The incident began at 5pm when inmates overpowered 3 guards, took their keys, and freed other death row inmates. Several hours later, a prison tactical squad fired tear gas into the unit and regained control. Three guards and four inmates were said to have been injured, but there were few details. Authorities indicated: "We`re not sure what triggered it. Nor do we know the leader." (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Sept 6 1997).
Spin control started in Columbus, the state capital, The Columbus Dispatch began its story: "Those responsible for the deadly 1993 Lucasville prison riot were among the Death Row inmates who took control."
The Dispatch went on to quote the first of many misleading statements from warden Ralph Coyle. "Some of the injuries may have been inflicted by other inmates before prison officials regained control," Coyle said.
The story added without comment: "Wilford Berry, who has volunteered to become the first inmate executed in the state since 1963, was also housed in the same area." (Columbus Dispatch, Sept 6 1997).
Within 24 hrs Berry`s presence in DR-4 had given rise to a full-fledged official theory: An inmate who has volunteered for execution may have provided the spark that touched off a five-hour riot Friday among the most dangerous prisoners on death row.... Berry, 34, suffered severe injuries at the hands of his fellow Death Row inmates during the uprising, Coyle said.
George Skatzes` sister, Jackie Bowers, told the paper that Berry was unpopular but that "her brother isn`t among those who dislike Berry. She said he told her he feels that Berry doesn`t have the mental ability to make decisions about his appeal."
Bowers also said that tensions had been mounting on Death Row because of the conditions that prompted the summer hunger strike. "They just keep taking things away and punishing them and punishing them" she said, adding that after the fast, the Five had lost the right to receive "sundry boxes" from relatives.
Warden Coyle denied any connection between the fast and the disturbance, claiming that he had granted the Five more privileges after the hunger strike ended. (Columbus Dispatch Sept 7 1997)
The controversy about the fast and the riot continued elsewhere. Sonny Williams of the Ohio Prisoners Rights Union told the Youngstown Vindicator Sept 7 1997: Prison administrators have ignored warnings for months that there could be problems on Death Row. He said inmates are not provided with proper medical care and some death row inmates have been denied priveleges granted to others on death row, such as access to tv`s and radios. Coyle said there were no warning signs....
As the hours passed, it became clear that all injuries to guards had been minor, whereas several inmates had been seriously hurt. Richland County Prosecutor James Mayer, Jr, entered DR-4 shortly after the riot ended. "You had to be careful because there were few places where there wasn`t any blood," he told the local paper. Mayer also confessed puzzlement as to how the state could punish those responsible. " I can`t think of anything else we could do to them. They`re already facing the worst the state could give them." (Mansfield News Journal, Sept 7, 1997)
Warden Coyle concurred that if the most dangerous prisoners were involved in the riot, there wasn`t much that could be done to punish them. "You really can`t do much more," he stated. (Columbus Dispatch Sept. 9, 1997)
WHAT GEORGE SAYS
When George Skatzes was interviewed on Sept. 10, his public defender reported visible lacerations over both eyes and on one ear, where guards had banged his head against a wall. By Sept. 16, Skatzes` wounds had healed and he was ready to tell his story. He carefully distinguished between what he had seen, what he had heard from others, and what he inferred to be true.
The disturbance began about 5pm when supper trays were brought in. George was locked in his cell at the time. About half an hour later inmates came to George`s cell and unlocked it. He told them that he wanted no part of what was going on, and asked to be left alone. He remained in his cell throughout the disturbance.
Inmates were milling around in the public area of the pod. "No one was doing anything, " George says. Inmates tried to arrange themselves, 2 or 3 to a cell, in case there should be violence. At any time the guards could have come in and peacefully regained control, according to Skatzes. He saw no inmate-to-inmate violence whatsoever. He saw no shanks or clubs. The only object that could be considered a "weapon" was an unlocked body chain. "All they [the guards] had to do was come in," Skatzes insisted.
George advised others of the Lucasville Five not to get on the phone to negotiate, lest, as in 1993, this cause them to be viewed by the authorities as ringleaders.
Time ticked away. Inmates conjectured that the authorities were hoping "for the body count to pile up" so that inmates could be severely punished. But there was no body count, and unlike 1993, there were no hostages.
About 10pm George looked through the window of his cell into the corridor and saw men in gas masks. Then came a loud banging, followed by a noise like the firing of shotguns. A cannister came through the cell window, shattering the glass, striking George directly, and causing minor cuts on George`s arms. At least five cannisters were shot into his cell; one of the cannisters lodged on his top bunk, among his legal papers. He felt as if gasoline had been poured over him and set afire. The hair on his arms stood straight up, and turned white. He couldn't breathe. He lay down on the floor, thinking he was going to die. He could not see his hand in front of his face.
After about 15 minutes, as if by a miracle, the fog of tear gas lifted. George got up and leaned towards the hole in his cell window to get some air. A guard sprayed liquid mace through the hole. George told him, "you don`t have to do that. I`m no threat to you." George put a blanket on the floor, sat down on it, and waited. Everything in the cell was white from the tear gas.
About an hour later "bunches" of masked guards, wearing black ninja suits, came into DR-4. Two of them told George to stand and put his face to the wall. His hearing is not good, and had been affected by the shotgun-like sounds when the tear gas was first fired, but as soon as he understood what was wanted he complied.
The guard went into Jason Robb`s cell next door. Jason was told to strip to his underwear. He was then beaten very badly (but did not lose an eye as the prison grapevine once reported). George could hear beating, screaming, mumbling from the cell next door. A man who was with Jason in the cell told George later that Jason didn`t say a word to provoke the assault.
When the guards came to George`s cell, they told him to get down on his knees, with his hands behind his head. At least three of them then opened the door and stormed in. They asked no questions but "started beating on me". George did not resist, but rolled himself into a tight ball, trying to protect his head.
(In a
letter written on Sept 22 1997, Jason Robb states: "Last week I had 33
stitches removed from my face that state officials inflicted upon me
when I was cuffed behind my back.")
The guards pulled his arms and legs
in different directions, trying to make him straighten out, face down.
They succeeded. The Guards got his left hand behind his back and put on a
plastic handcuff. They bent back his wrist and fingers trying (George
believes) to break the bones.
One guard hit George several times with
his fist on the left side of his head, causing cuts on his jaw and above
his eye. Another put his foot on George`s neck. George`s right arm was
still under his body. He was told to "get your right arm around here".
He told them he was sorry to be angry but they didn`t need to do all
this. When they took hold of his right hand they tried (he believes) to
break his right index finger and right arm. George was handcuffed behind
his back, "ungodly tight". A guard tried to stomp on his private parts.
He sqeezed his legs together. The guards picked him up by the handcuffs
and half walked, half dragged him out of the cell. George thought he
was walking to his death. He saw thick gobs of blood on the floor.
The guards forced the handcuffs up as high as they could, so that George was bent over like an old man as he moved. A guard told him, "You are going to stand up and walk out of here." It was impossible for George to stand up straight. Another guard took him by the hair, and slammed his head against the wall of Jason`s cell. George thinks he was "out on his feet" for a time. The next he knew he was at an exit door from DR-4, a guard on each side. He was bent over with his arms up high behind him. In front of 017, a guard hit George in the head. He rolled with the punch. There were more punches. They walked him out.
For half an hour he was put in a cell with Hasan and 2 other inmates who complained they could not breathe because of the tear gas on George. Then 2 officers, one female, the other male, walked George to the warehouse. The female officer who is from Mansfield said, "This man is saturated with that nuts." The male guard (who George thinks is from Mansfield) told him, "you`re a good man." When the guards cut off the plastic handcuffs to put on an orange jump suit and then recuff George, the female guard remarked on how swollen his hands were.
The inmates from DR-4 lay in rows on the warehouse floor for about 3 hours. A nurse gave medical attention to the most seriously injured. There was no opportunity to wash off the tear gas and mace, nor would there be any shower for 5 days. George found himself on the floor next to an inmate named Combs, a man with only one arm and therefore "totally defenseless" who had been sprayed with gas and severely beaten. "His head was a sight," George recalls.
At this writing, George and the others from DR-4 are housed in Security Control Investigation in very harsh conditions. All their personal property was left behind in the cells, and much appears to be missing. Everybody`s commissary is gone. They have been given toothbrushes cut off after the bristles, apparently on the theory that the toothbrush handle could be a weapon. No one has shoes (although George has hospital slippers). Food is even more inadequate than before. Neither coffee nor cigarettes are permitted.
George wants everything to be told 100% truthful. What George saw was totally uncalled for, he says.
THE REGULATIONS VS THE FACTS
MANCI Death Row policies include Policy No. 3D.033, which has very specific limitations on the use of chemical mace or liquid tear gas.
Section 10, paragraph 2 says:
Under Section 2 Paragraph 2b), medical staff should have been contacted before the use of a chemical dispenser unless immediate action was required to deter harm to self, another person or state property. The policies acknowledge that liquid tear gas may be extremely harmful.
Section 10, paragraph 2d) through g) provides regarding the use of liquid tear gas:
They are not supposed to aim at the eyes intentionally.
They are not supposed to use an aerosol dispenser closer than 4 feet.
They can use it again if control is not achieved within 15 secs (suggesting that it is not appropriate to use more than once if the first burst is effective).
Liquid tear gas is not to be used in small rooms where there is no ventilation, except in extreme cases.
Inmates are to be evacuated immediately after use of liquid tear gas.
Based on what George says, nearly all of these provisions were violated in this case.
MORE FROM GEORGE IN A LETTER DATED SEPT 24 [1997]
I feel in my heart that these people are trying to cause a situation in the block! They do simple little things that keep everybody in an "uptight" state of mind. It is nothing about trying to learn and heal from what took place on Sept 5th.
The guards forced the handcuffs up as high as they could, so that George was bent over like an old man as he moved. A guard told him, "You are going to stand up and walk out of here." It was impossible for George to stand up straight. Another guard took him by the hair, and slammed his head against the wall of Jason`s cell. George thinks he was "out on his feet" for a time. The next he knew he was at an exit door from DR-4, a guard on each side. He was bent over with his arms up high behind him. In front of 017, a guard hit George in the head. He rolled with the punch. There were more punches. They walked him out.
For half an hour he was put in a cell with Hasan and 2 other inmates who complained they could not breathe because of the tear gas on George. Then 2 officers, one female, the other male, walked George to the warehouse. The female officer who is from Mansfield said, "This man is saturated with that nuts." The male guard (who George thinks is from Mansfield) told him, "you`re a good man." When the guards cut off the plastic handcuffs to put on an orange jump suit and then recuff George, the female guard remarked on how swollen his hands were.
The inmates from DR-4 lay in rows on the warehouse floor for about 3 hours. A nurse gave medical attention to the most seriously injured. There was no opportunity to wash off the tear gas and mace, nor would there be any shower for 5 days. George found himself on the floor next to an inmate named Combs, a man with only one arm and therefore "totally defenseless" who had been sprayed with gas and severely beaten. "His head was a sight," George recalls.
At this writing, George and the others from DR-4 are housed in Security Control Investigation in very harsh conditions. All their personal property was left behind in the cells, and much appears to be missing. Everybody`s commissary is gone. They have been given toothbrushes cut off after the bristles, apparently on the theory that the toothbrush handle could be a weapon. No one has shoes (although George has hospital slippers). Food is even more inadequate than before. Neither coffee nor cigarettes are permitted.
George wants everything to be told 100% truthful. What George saw was totally uncalled for, he says.
THE REGULATIONS VS THE FACTS
MANCI Death Row policies include Policy No. 3D.033, which has very specific limitations on the use of chemical mace or liquid tear gas.
Section 10, paragraph 2 says:
The use of aerosol chemical dispensers will be resticted to such instances where an inmate barricades or arms himself or cannot be approached without danger to personnel or himself.
Under Section 2 Paragraph 2b), medical staff should have been contacted before the use of a chemical dispenser unless immediate action was required to deter harm to self, another person or state property. The policies acknowledge that liquid tear gas may be extremely harmful.
Section 10, paragraph 2d) through g) provides regarding the use of liquid tear gas:
They are not supposed to aim at the eyes intentionally.
They are not supposed to use an aerosol dispenser closer than 4 feet.
They can use it again if control is not achieved within 15 secs (suggesting that it is not appropriate to use more than once if the first burst is effective).
Liquid tear gas is not to be used in small rooms where there is no ventilation, except in extreme cases.
Inmates are to be evacuated immediately after use of liquid tear gas.
Based on what George says, nearly all of these provisions were violated in this case.
MORE FROM GEORGE IN A LETTER DATED SEPT 24 [1997]
I feel in my heart that these people are trying to cause a situation in the block! They do simple little things that keep everybody in an "uptight" state of mind. It is nothing about trying to learn and heal from what took place on Sept 5th.
On Sept 22, I was forced to cut my
hair. You would think with all this going on, our living under such
conditions, our tight stripped of everything, etc., these people would
have more on their minds than to worry about the length of a man`s hair.
Of course I had a choice, I could get my hair cut willing or by force.
The Lt. telling me this stated that it made no difference to him how I
wanted to do it. I just asked how many guards would I have to fight? In
other words, laughed it off and got my hair cut! Meantime the ones that
want to get their hair cut are having a hard time doing so. Now, is this
crazy or what?
A lot of other stupid things have taken place. Sunday night, Sept 21, the inmates on the top range flooded the range and I had at least one inch of water in my cell. They let the inmate next to me clean up; they said to hell with me!
I am really trying my best to keep the anger out of my heart, but they are making it next to impossible.
Also on that Sunday night, they took Big John (Stojetz) out of here. I didn`t know where they were taking him or even why. Come to find out, the next day when he returned, they took him to the infirmary, stripped him and cuffed him to a steel bed. I know they didn`t do that to any of the other inmates for flooding the range. So why Big John? To top it all off they had a real flood later that same night and nothing was done to anybody! They also took Big John`s recreation. That is not a big deal in some ways. Who wants to go into a small cage for one hour with cuffs and shackles on?
Anyway, Monday morning Hasan want out to talk to the deputy warden. That afternoon about 6pm, officers along with the deputy warden and a captain came and physically extracted Hasan from his cell. They took him to the infirmary where he spent the night, just as Big John did. From what I understand this was over the TB testing. It don`t make sense for them to wait all this time (they came around with the TB shots or test some time ago) to try to get Hasan to take this test. Why now?
These power people always have to prove they are in total control, that they are the tough ones and they own us. It is really a shame! Some of us want to stay out of the way, do our time, be left alone and work on our cases, but they are making it very hard, impossible. There is some serious injustice within our cases and we only want the chance to expose it.
To whom does one turn so the chains of injustice and oppression may be broken?
GEORGE SKATZES SUPPORTERS
PO BOX 1591
MARION, OHIO 43301-1591
The opinions expressed by this prisoner are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this site editor.
WE are FADS.
WE shall remain in force until the CHANGES we seek are Accomplished.
-------------
See also the civil lawsuit by George Skatzes, Jason Robb and Ronald Combs, that followed the violence used on the prisoner: http://www.romingerlegal.com/sixthcircuit/opinions/02a0408p-06.htm
A lot of other stupid things have taken place. Sunday night, Sept 21, the inmates on the top range flooded the range and I had at least one inch of water in my cell. They let the inmate next to me clean up; they said to hell with me!
I am really trying my best to keep the anger out of my heart, but they are making it next to impossible.
Also on that Sunday night, they took Big John (Stojetz) out of here. I didn`t know where they were taking him or even why. Come to find out, the next day when he returned, they took him to the infirmary, stripped him and cuffed him to a steel bed. I know they didn`t do that to any of the other inmates for flooding the range. So why Big John? To top it all off they had a real flood later that same night and nothing was done to anybody! They also took Big John`s recreation. That is not a big deal in some ways. Who wants to go into a small cage for one hour with cuffs and shackles on?
Anyway, Monday morning Hasan want out to talk to the deputy warden. That afternoon about 6pm, officers along with the deputy warden and a captain came and physically extracted Hasan from his cell. They took him to the infirmary where he spent the night, just as Big John did. From what I understand this was over the TB testing. It don`t make sense for them to wait all this time (they came around with the TB shots or test some time ago) to try to get Hasan to take this test. Why now?
These power people always have to prove they are in total control, that they are the tough ones and they own us. It is really a shame! Some of us want to stay out of the way, do our time, be left alone and work on our cases, but they are making it very hard, impossible. There is some serious injustice within our cases and we only want the chance to expose it.
To whom does one turn so the chains of injustice and oppression may be broken?
GEORGE SKATZES SUPPORTERS
PO BOX 1591
MARION, OHIO 43301-1591
The opinions expressed by this prisoner are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this site editor.
WE are FADS.
WE shall remain in force until the CHANGES we seek are Accomplished.
-------------
See also the civil lawsuit by George Skatzes, Jason Robb and Ronald Combs, that followed the violence used on the prisoner: http://www.romingerlegal.com/sixthcircuit/opinions/02a0408p-06.htm
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