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In Utica, Nicholas Vitale II, a corrections officer at Mid-State Correctional Facility, has accepted a plea deal in connection with the death of inmate Messiah Nantwi. On Tuesday (July 1), Vitale admitted to submitting false documents to authorities after Nantwi's death, which occurred on March 1. As part of the plea agreement, Vitale will resign from his position and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, according to the Onondaga County District Attorney's office.
Spectrum News reports that Vitale was initially facing additional charges, including conspiracy, which were dismissed as part of the plea deal. The case involves 15 officers charged in connection with Nantwi's death, with Vitale being the first to plead guilty. Two other officers, Joshua Bartlett and Nathan Palmer, have also pleaded guilty to charges related to hindering prosecution and falsifying records.
According to CNY Central, Daniel Burger, another officer charged in the case, faces manslaughter and gang assault charges and is due back in court on August 15. Meanwhile, Jonah Levi and Caleb Blair are facing second-degree murder charges, the most serious in the case.
LocalSYR adds that Vitale's guilty plea involved admitting to lying on reports required after the use of force on an inmate. His defense attorney emphasized that Vitale did not physically harm Nantwi. The case continues as several other officers are still considering plea offers or preparing for trial.