X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Decided and Entered: September 29, 2005 97208 ________________________________ In the Matter of DERRICK KORNEGAY, Petitioner, v MEMORANDUM AND JUDGMENT GLENN S. GOORD, as Commissioner of Correctional Services, et al., Respondents. ___________________________ Calendar Date: September 13, 2005 Before: Mercure, J.P., Peters, Spain, Mugglin and Rose, JJ. __________ Derrick Kornegay, Pine City, petitioner pro se. Eliot Spitzer, Attorney General, Albany (Dorothy E. Hill of counsel), for respondents. __________ Mercure, J.P. Proceeding pursuant to CPLR article 78 (transferred to this Court by order of the Supreme Court, entered in Chemung County) to review a determination of respondent Commissioner of Correctional Services which found petitioner guilty of violating certain prison disciplinary rules. As a result of a mail watch on a fellow inmate, Stacey Knight, correction officials intercepted a letter sent by petitioner to Knight via a third party. In that letter, petitioner offered Knight money in exchange for his arranging to have an inmate at another correctional facility seriously injured. After a tier III disciplinary hearing, petitioner was found guilty of engaging in violent conduct, making threats and violating facility correspondence procedures. Petitioner subsequently commenced this CPLR article 78 proceeding challenging that determination. The determination of guilt is supported by substantial evidence, including the misbehavior report, the testimony of the correction officer who authored the report, the intercepted correspondence, and a sample of petitioner’s handwriting (see Matter of Alvarez v Goord, 17 AD3d 945, 946 [2005]; Matter of Knight v McGinnis, 14 AD3d 984, 984 [2005]; Matter of Dagnone v Goord, 297 AD2d 869, 869 [2002], lv denied 99 NY2d 503 [2002]). We disagree with petitioner’s contention that the misbehavior report was deficient because it failed to specify the date and time that petitioner committed the alleged conduct. The misbehavior report reflects the date upon which the investigation into petitioner’s involvement in the alleged scheme was complete and, moreover, the report provided adequate detail to apprise petitioner of the charges and afford him the opportunity to prepare his defense (see Matter of Jackson v Portuondo, 288 AD2d 733, 733 [2001]; Matter of Millan v Goord, 284 AD2d 827, 827 [2001]). Nor are we persuaded by petitioner’s argument that the interception of the letter was unauthorized. Initially, we note that petitioner lacks standing to challenge the interception of another inmate’s incoming mail (see Matter of Alvarez v Goord, supra at 946). Furthermore, the confidential testimony, which we have reviewed in camera, establishes that the mail watch was authorized (see Matter of Knight v McGinnis, 10 AD3d 754, 755 [2004]). Petitioner’s allegation that the Hearing Officer was not impartial is belied by the record, which reflects that the hearing was in all respects conducted fairly and that the determination was based solely upon substantial evidence of petitioner’s guilt (see Matter of Dagnone v Goord, supra at 869). Petitioner’s remaining arguments have been considered and found to be without merit. Peters, Spain, Mugglin and Rose, JJ., concur. ADJUDGED that the determination is confirmed, without costs, and petition dismissed.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
April 25, 2024
Dubai

Law firms & in-house legal departments with a presence in the middle east celebrate outstanding achievement within the profession.


Learn More
April 29, 2024 - May 01, 2024
Aurora, CO

The premier educational and networking event for employee benefits brokers and agents.


Learn More

A large and well-established Tampa company is seeking a contracts administrator to support the company's in-house attorney and manage a wide...


Apply Now ›

We are seeking an attorney to join our commercial finance practice in either our Stamford, Hartford or New Haven offices. Candidates should ...


Apply Now ›

We are seeking an attorney to join our corporate and transactional practice. Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of general corporat...


Apply Now ›
04/15/2024
Connecticut Law Tribune

MELICK & PORTER, LLP PROMOTES CONNECTICUT PARTNERS HOLLY ROGERS, STEVEN BANKS, and ALEXANDER AHRENS


View Announcement ›
04/11/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
04/08/2024
Daily Report

Daily Report 1/2 Page Professional Announcement 60 Days


View Announcement ›