The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision says it will not consider rehiring two former officers, even though both were acquitted of criminal charges connected to the death of inmate Robert Brooks.
A department spokesperson told WSYR-TV in Syracuse, “…due to their egregious actions, sitting idly by and watching the horrific murder of Robert Brooks, there is no place for them with DOCCS and we will not be rehiring them or reinstating them.”
Nicholas Kieffer and Mathew Galliher were found not guilty by a Oneida County jury on charges including murder, manslaughter, and gang assault. Kieffer also faced a charge for falsifying paperwork. Both resigned following the beating of Brooks.
Because neither man was convicted, they could legally be considered for rehire, but the department is voluntarily choosing not to offer them positions. The WSYR reports stated neither Kieffer nor Galliher has indicated an interest in returning to their old roles.
