New York State Attorney General Letitia James and her office have recused themselves from the investigation into the death of Robert Brooks, citing a conflict of interest. James’ office typically investigates deaths in police custody, but some of the officers involved in Brooks’ case are already represented by attorneys from her office.
James explained that even the appearance of a conflict could lead to lengthy legal challenges, potentially delaying or dismissing any prosecution. “I will not allow justice to be delayed or denied because of a conflict,” she said in a video message.
Robert Brooks, 43, died after being brutally beaten by correctional officers at the Mohawk Correctional Facility. He had been serving a 12-year sentence for stabbing a woman and had accepted a plea deal for a reduced charge. The incident, which occurred on December 10 at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County, was captured on video and released publicly nearly three weeks later.
Despite the video showing guards beating Brooks while he was restrained, as of Friday, none of the officers involved—who are all white men—have faced criminal charges. The 12 officers, including Sgts. Michael Mashaw and Glenn Trombly, remain employed, although they are facing termination.
In response, James appointed Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, a Republican, to take over the investigation. Community leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton, have condemned the officers’ actions, calling for justice and criminal charges. Sharpton compared the video of Brooks’ beating to the killings of George Floyd and Tyre Nichols.
Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed her outrage over the incident, calling it “senseless” and ordering a full investigation. She also directed the Department of Corrections to begin the termination process for the involved officers.
