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An eighth corrections officer has resigned from Marcy Correctional Facility following the beating death of inmate Robert Brooks. Nicholas Gentile, 36, stepped down effective June 1 as part of a plea agreement in which he admitted to tampering with evidence in the case. Gentile will not serve jail time but agreed to a one-year conditional discharge and resignation from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
The incident, which occurred on December 9, involved multiple officers and was captured on body-worn cameras. Brooks, who was restrained at the time, died the following day from his injuries. According to WSYR-TV, Gentile is the second officer to plead guilty in connection with Brooks' death. Christopher Walrath also admitted guilt to manslaughter and faces 15 years in prison.
Several other officers have rejected plea deals and face trial. As reported by Spectrum News, those who declined offers face charges ranging from manslaughter to murder, with potential sentences of up to 25 years to life if convicted.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, particularly after the release of the body camera footage. The footage shows officers assaulting Brooks, leading to his death from multiple blunt force injuries and compression of the neck, as confirmed by an autopsy. According to Utica Observer-Dispatch, the investigation into the incident continues, with several officers still suspended without pay as the state proceeds with termination processes.