BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Authorities say they are investigating possible exposures to unknown substances at multiple correctional facilities across New York State that have led to a large number of hospitalizations among inmates and staff.
THE TIMELINE
Sunday morning, March 16: Officials say an inmate was searched after seeming to be off. Staff allegedly found paper on the incarcerated individual. DOCCS says the inmate was then admitted to the facility infirmary due to his suspicious behavior.
Three correction officers who were involved in the incident reported feeling light-headed, dizzy and one began vomiting. All three were then taken to an outside hospital for testing.
Hours later on Sunday morning, March 16: DOCCS says two inmates were seen by National Guardsmen laying on the ground during their recreation time. The two individuals were then reportedly carried by correction officers from their recreation pens to the infirmary where a nurse administered Narcan to both.
The inmates were then taken to an outside hospital. The sergeant and the nurse involved in the incident were also taken to an outside hospital after they reported feeling nauseous and dizzy.
Wednesday morning, March 19: DOCCS says a staff member at Attica opened an envelope and a powder spilled out. The employee then became ill and state police, EMTs and HAZMAT were all notified.
The staff member and a nurse were both taken to an outside hospital.
Thursday morning, March 20: A nurse at Attica Correctional Facility was reportedly conducting rounds when a smell left him feeling nauseous. The nurse was sent to an outside hospital for further evaluation.
Thursday afternoon, March 20: Two correction officers at Wyoming Correctional Facility began vomiting after escorting an inmate who appeared to be intoxicated to the infirmary, according to DOCCS. Three additional correction officers say they also become light-headed.
After further evaluation, the inmate and all five officers were taken to outside hospitals.
Friday, March 21: DOCCS says six inmates became ill at Attica Correctional Facility on Friday. One of them needed Narcan and was taken to an outside hospital. The other five were taken to the facility infirmary
Eight security staff also began experiencing similar symptoms and had to be taken to an outside hospital.
DOCCS says, due to investigations into possible exposures, Attica, Cape Vincent and Wyoming Correction Facilities will be closed for visitation.
WATCH: NYS DOCCS: Corrections officer strike is over; more than 2,000 officers terminated
Earlier this week, the Attorney General’s office cracked down on drugs making it into prisons, specifically, paper.
Tuesday, 33-year-old Maya McIntosh of Albany pleaded guilty to charges pertaining to purposefully soaking synthetic cannabis onto paper and envelopes, disguised as legal paperwork, and sending them to inmates at various correctional facilities in New York from January 2023 until July 2024.
It is unknown if any of those prisons are in Western New York.
She faces up to 20 years in prison and maximum fines totaling more than a million dollars.
