Statement from Governor Murphy in Response to Criminal Charges, Including Official Misconduct, Arising Out of Edna Mahan Incident on January 11
I am grateful to Attorney General Grewal for taking swift action and filing criminal charges in the wake of the horrifying incident at Edna Mahan on January 11, which resulted in severe injury to several inmates. Among other things, the indictment alleges that corrections officers committed official misconduct by abusing their office to injure or deprive individuals under their care. Any abuse of power is abhorrent and violates the public trust, and can never be tolerated or excused.
I understand from the Attorney General’s announcement that the criminal investigation is ongoing, and I am confident that anyone who violated the law will be held accountable. Beyond the criminal investigation, we must have a full accounting of how this incident was able to happen so that we can put in place necessary reforms and safeguards. I am thankful to former State Comptroller Matt Boxer for taking on this crucial task.”