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A corrections officer from Mid-State Correctional Facility, Daniel Burger, has pleaded guilty to offering a false instrument for filing in connection with the death of inmate Messiah Nantwi. In court on Thursday (August 14), Burger admitted to submitting a false report to obstruct the investigation into Nantwi's death, which occurred in March.
Originally charged with manslaughter and gang assault, Burger now faces a sentence of one and a third to four years in prison. The incident involved the Correction Emergency Response Team, which allegedly beat Nantwi to death while he was handcuffed. Following the incident, officers reportedly conspired to plant evidence and provide false testimony.
Several officers are implicated in the case, with others facing similar charges. Michael Iffert, another officer involved, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing and will return to court in October. Additionally, David Walters and Michael Fisher face manslaughter charges related to another inmate's death at Marcy Correctional Facility.
Burger's sentencing is scheduled for October 27. The case has highlighted issues within the correctional system and sparked calls for reform.