Opinion
2014-11-13
In the Matter of Burnell A. McLEOD, Petitioner, v. Brian FISCHER, as Commissioner of Corrections and Community Supervision, Respondent.
Burnell A. McLeod, Comstock, petitioner pro se. Eric T. Schneiderman, Attorney General, Albany (Peter H. Schiff of counsel), for respondent.
Burnell A. McLeod, Comstock, petitioner pro se. Eric T. Schneiderman, Attorney General, Albany (Peter H. Schiff of counsel), for respondent.
Before: LAHTINEN, J.P., McCARTHY, GARRY, ROSE and DEVINE, JJ.
Proceeding pursuant to CPLR article 78 (transferred to this Court by order of the Supreme Court, entered in Albany County) to review a determination of respondent which found petitioner guilty of violating certain prison disciplinary rules.
Petitioner was observed attempting to stab another inmate with a shank during a melee in the prison yard and, as a result, was charged in a misbehavior report with disobeying a direct order, fighting, creating a disturbance, possession of a weapon and violent conduct. Following a tier III disciplinary hearing, petitioner was found guilty of all charges. However, on administrative appeal the charges of disobeying a direct order and fighting were dismissed. Thereafter, petitioner commenced this CPLR article 78 proceeding.
We confirm. Contrary to petitioner's contention, the misbehavior report, testimony at the hearing from correction officers who witnessed the event and documentary evidence submitted at the hearing provide substantial evidence to support the determination of guilt ( see Matter of Hill v. Fischer, 69 A.D.3d 1103, 1103, 893 N.Y.S.2d 339 [2010]; Matter of Williams v. Goord, 23 A.D.3d 972, 973, 805 N.Y.S.2d 438 [2005] ). Any alleged inconsistencies in the testimony or evidence created a credibility issue for the Hearing Officer to resolve ( see Matter of Key v. Fischer, 72 A.D.3d 1365, 1366, 901 N.Y.S.2d 722 [2010] ).
We have reviewed petitioner's remaining contentions, including his claim of hearing officer bias, and find them to be without merit.
ADJUDGED that the determination is confirmed, without costs, and petition dismissed.