LETTERS: INMATES WHO SOUGHT PUBLICITY WERE DISCIPLINED

To the editor:

The assault last November on inmate Mark Christeson by inmates Larry Schell and Mark Bridges at the Potosi Correctional Center was addressed according to policy. Conduct violations were issued against both Schell and Bridges for assault. When they were interviewed by the correctional investigator concerning the violation, Bridges denied he was involved, and Schell said it was nothing more than a fight. Due to the diligence of the correctional staff, the violations were reviewed quickly. The inmates were found guilty. Both were placed in administrative segregation for 30 days with a follow-up review due to the seriousness of the violations. They have both been in temporary and disciplinary administrative segregation since the fight occurred. Staff members further recommended a referral for prosecution to the local prosecuting attorney and a transfer to a new maximum-security prison. The department's investigation continues, and charges may still be filed.

If there is anything unusual in this case, it is that the inmates wrote to a weekly newspaper to rationalize their conduct and glorify their behavior. Their story had been publicized by news media across the country to the point where the Southeast Missourian has editorialized that the department was somehow indifferent to this matter, which is clearly not the case. We responded according to policy with the result that Schell and Bridges are paying the price for their behavior.

TIM KNIEST

Public Information Officer

Department of Corrections

Jefferson City, Mo.