The final remaining defendant charged in connection with the death of inmate Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility has admitted to his role in the case in Oneida County Court.
Special Prosecutor Sara Fitzpatrick announced that former correction officer Thomas Eck pleaded guilty to offering a false instrument. As part of the agreement, Eck will serve one year in the Oneida County Jail.
Eck had been scheduled to stand trial on several additional charges, including manslaughter, gang assault, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence.
According to prosecutors, Eck was the last remaining defendant accused in connection with Nantwi’s death to resolve his case.
Fitzpatrick said Eck had previously turned down a plea offer that would have resulted in a 12-year state prison sentence.
The case stems from the death of Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility, where multiple correction officers and staff members had faced charges related to the incident.
