Federal prosecutors have charged two supervisors at a Bronx Juvenile Detention Center with violently dragging, punching and stomping a 16-year-old resident of the facility, then trying to cover up the beating.
Prosecutors charged Daquan Seymour, 33, and Rashawn Walker, 33, Wednesday with conspiring to deprive a minor of his constitutional rights and filing false reports.
The charges relate to an incident April 25 at Horizon Juvenile Center in the Bronx – a secure facility where officials have said about 100 young people between the ages of 12 and 21 accused of serious offenses are held. The facility is operated by the New York City Administration for Children’s Services.
Following a confrontation between juvenile residents and staff members, Seymour and Walker violently dragged the teenager across the floor by his forearms into a private room, according to a complaint. There, prosecutors say the men pinned his hands and struck him “repeatedly and forcefully” as he lay on the floor. At last, Walker delivered a “final and forceful stomp” to the teen’s stomach and groin area with his right foot. Seymour and Walker then left the teen in the room, prosecutors said.
The teen was taken to a nearby hospital, where he got nine stitches for a deep cut on his upper lip.
Prosecutors said when Seymour and Walker later wrote up an incident report, they omitted any reference to dragging or hitting the teen and instead said he was “escorted to his room an[d] counseled by staff.” Both men worked as associate youth development specialists.
Seymour was released on $100,000 bond after an appearance in Manhattan federal court. His lawyer did not return an inquiry. Walker’s lawyer could not be determined.
“Today’s charges allege a violent beating and a brazen cover-up by two supervisors at a juvenile detention facility in the Bronx that left a teenage resident seriously injured,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. “My office is committed to protecting the…
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