Three facing Armed Assault to Murder, other charges, after 5 Massachusetts correction officers injured in attack

Three inmates are facing charges after a recent attack on correction officers.

According to Scott Croteau of the Massachusetts Department of Correction, on Wednesday September 18th, at just after 6:15 p.m., the Massachusetts Department of Correction received a report of multiple injured correction officers inside the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster. Two correction officers were assaulted by incarcerated individuals and sustained multiple stab wounds. Three additional correction officers were injured when responding to the incident. A total of 5 correction officers were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.  

Investigators for the Massachusetts Department of Correction filed charges against the following three individuals in Clinton District Court. The criminal complaints were issued on Friday, September 27th. 

• Jose R. Crespo, 39, charged with Mayhem, Armed Assault to Murder and Assault to Murder. Arraignment scheduled for October 11. 
• Heriberto Rivera-Negron, 36, charged with Mayhem, Armed Assault to Murder and Assault to Murder. Arraignment scheduled for October 10.
• Jeffrey Tapia, 30, charged with Mayhem, Armed Assault to Murder and Assault to Murder. Arraignment scheduled for October 15.

“Attacks against our officers will not be tolerated and the serious charges filed against the three individuals demonstrates that the Massachusetts Department of Correction will take action. This type of violence is unacceptable and now those involved will be held accountable in the court of law. We have and will continue to make the safety and health of our Correctional Officers a priority and appreciate their dedication to the DOC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our investigators worked tirelessly since the incident occurred to bring these charges forward.” – Interim DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins