COXSACKIE, N.Y. – Over the weekend, a 61-year-old inmate passed away at the Auburn Correctional Facility in New York, a prison currently staffed by National Guard troops amid an illegal strike by corrections officers. Jonathon Grant, serving a lengthy sentence for rape and burglary, was found unresponsive in his cell and pronounced dead on Saturday morning. According to state officials, facility security, medical staff, and a National Guard member tried to resuscitate him using CPR and Narcan. The exact cause of his death will be determined by a medical examiner as officials await more information about Grant’s health status.
The ongoing strike has highlighted potential challenges in inmate care, eliciting concern from the legal community. The Legal Aid Society, which provided Grant’s legal counsel, has reported numerous incidents where prisoners across New York State could not access essential medical services, including life-sustaining medications like insulin and blood pressure treatments. “This tragic incident underscores the grave risks posed by the ongoing strike,” the organization stated.
This strike erupted as guards at numerous state prisons commenced an unsanctioned walkout, violating union and state employee regulations. Their actions contrast with union leadership’s stance, acknowledging that such measures could draw penalties. In response, Gov. Kathy Hochul deployed National Guard troops while prison operations were largely put on hold, affecting vital services like healthcare, legal counsel access, and parole hearings.
Efforts to mediate between state officials and the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association have been underway. The union is pressing for improved wages, expanded staff numbers, and enhanced safety protocols, including stricter visitor searches and revoking parts of the Halt Act, which had limited solitary confinement use.
A visible scene unfolded Monday near the Coxsackie Correctional Facility, where over 100 corrections officers and supporters demonstrated with signs like “NYS Failed Us” and “Wildcats.” Some protesters congregated around makeshift burn barrels or enjoyed grill-cooked hot dogs, with passing vehicles honking support. Citing unsafe working conditions, retired officer Ed Ventre articulated the sentiments of many guards who have been picketing there since last week.
Prison conditions have reportedly worsened in recent years, affecting both inmates and staff. Assault incidents have risen sharply, with official statistics showing almost a doubling of attacks on staff and incarcerated people between 2019 and 2024. Six guards face murder charges related to a December incident involving the death of inmate Robert Brooks due to alleged officer violence at Marcy Correctional Facility. The last of these officers, Nicholas Kieffer, pleaded not guilty during his recent arraignment.
