New City, NY – A Spring Valley man, Shaquille Gage, 21, has entered a guilty plea to charges of assaulting correction officers at the Rockland County Correctional Facility, where he was being held. The incident, which underscored ongoing concerns over safety in correctional institutions, is expected to result in a three-year prison sentence for Gage, scheduled for sentencing on July 10th.
Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III made a strong statement following the plea, emphasizing the department’s zero-tolerance policy towards violence against correction staff. “Violence against Correction Officers will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Falco declared, highlighting the commitment of his office to safeguarding its officers and enforcing accountability for violent acts.
The sheriff commended the diligence and professionalism of the correctional staff and the Police Division officers who played pivotal roles in investigating the case. He also expressed gratitude towards the assistant district attorneys responsible for prosecuting the case.
“Our officers work under challenging and often perilous conditions to ensure the care, custody, and control of individuals remanded to our care,” Sheriff Falco noted. He stressed the importance of protecting correction officers, asserting that it is critical to make sure that those who commit crimes against them are held fully accountable.
This case brings to light the broader issues of safety and security within correctional facilities and the risks faced by correctional officers daily. As the date for Gage’s sentencing approaches, the community and the Sheriff’s Office await a resolution that they hope will reinforce a message of safety and justice within the walls of Rockland County’s correctional institutions.