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NY AG's office recuses itself from Robert Brooks case due to conflict
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jan 2, 2025
Modified Jan 2, 2025
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John Paraskevas/Newsday RM via Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jan 2, 2025
Modified Jan 2, 2025
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The New York attorney general’s office has recused itself from the high-profile case involving the beating death of state prisoner Robert Brooks, citing an internal conflict, officials said on Thursday.
Four corrections officers under investigation in that probe are currently represented by attorneys from the attorney general’s office in other cases.
Attorney General Letitia James announced the recusal after expressing outrage over released body-worn camera footage showing the 43-year-old Brooks being pummeled by staffers at Marcy Correctional Facility, about 200 miles northwest of New York City.
The footage shows as many as eight corrections officers beating Brooks, who was handcuffed. Following the state corrections department’s announcement of his death on Dec. 15, James launched an investigation into the incident.
On Thursday, however, James revealed that her office would recuse itself from the case, and the Division of State Counsel will also not represent the Department of Corrections or its officers.
Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick will serve as the special prosecutor in the case. His office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In a statement, James said the appearance of a conflict could delay or potentially dismiss a prosecution.
“We believe this is the best course of action to protect the integrity of the investigation and to ensure accountability and justice for Brooks, his family, friends, loved ones and for all New Yorkers,” James said.
Following James' announcement, Gov. Kathy Hochul released a statement expressing her expectation that the prosecution would "work expeditiously" to bring formal charges and make arrests in the case.
Hochul’s office has already offered “any necessary resources” to assist the prosecution. She also recently replaced the head of the prison and introduced new measures to increase accountability among state corrections staff.
“Too much time has passed without changes being brought against the individuals responsible. The video of this horrific attack demonstrates that crimes clearly were committed, and I believe initial charges can be brought even as more serious charges are considered based on further investigation,” Hochul said in a statement on Thursday.
This article was updated with additional information.
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public safety
new york state
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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