2 Lee County corrections officers fired, arrested for battery against inmates

Reporter: Amy Galo Writer: Matthew Seaver
Published: Updated:
Casey Howell, right. Enzo Finamore, left. (Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office)

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno says two corrections officers have been fired and are facing battery charges for actions against inmates.

Sheriff Marceno said Casey Howell faces charges of felony official misconduct, felony battery, and misdemeanor battery. Enzo Finamore faces charges of felony official misconduct, and misdemeanor battery.

The sheriff made the call to get rid of both men after he said an internal investigation confirmed a tip from a fellow deputy that the pair threw scalding hot water onto two inmates at the Lee County Jail.

“These two tarnished that badge. And it’s not going to be tolerated,” said Marceno.

On Wednesday, Finamore and Howell went before a judge.

According to the sheriff, the deputy who tipped off investigators heard rumors and felt something wasn’t right.

“Both victims did not come forward. We actually were the people that brought the information to them. We conducted our investigations,” Marceno said.
      
The inmates suffered first and second-degree burns on their chests and arms. Marceno said he ordered hot water dispensers in that section of the jail removed, added a new supervisor, and promised to install more cameras in the jail.

“We’re taking a hard look at our training and our policies to make sure that we do everything that we can to prevent this from happening again,” said Marceno.

As for the former deputies, the sheriff said he was sickened by their actions and he would bring justice to the two inmates.

You can watch the press conference in the player below or by clicking here.

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