Robert Brooks tragically lost his life allegedly due to the actions of New York State Corrections personnel. In a shocking twist, it has come to light that several of these officers earn remarkable six-figure salaries, raising questions about accountability and oversight in the prison system. Reports suggest that the incident has sparked outrage and demands for justice, highlighting the need for reform within the corrections workforce.

Brooks, who was an inmate at the Marcy Correctional Facility located in upstate New York, reportedly died from asphyxia caused by compression of the neck during a violent altercation involving guards and prison staff on December 10. Preliminary autopsy findings confirm the tragic circumstances of his death, igniting public concern about the treatment of inmates and the use of force by correctional officers.

Footage captured by body cameras worn by staff depicted the harrowing attack on Brooks inside the facility. The recordings reveal that Brooks was subjected to severe physical violence while being restrained and gagged. Prior to this tragic event, Brooks was serving a 12-year sentence for felony assault, drawing attention to the harsh realities faced by inmates in correctional systems across the nation.

According to state employee compensation records accessed by TMZ, an alarming eight out of fourteen employees from the Department of Corrections are earning six-figure salaries. The remaining staff members are not far behind, with salaries ranging from $70,000 to $89,000, illustrating a significant disparity between the earnings of correctional officers and the treatment of inmates under their supervision.

The annual salary data for 2022 and 2023 reveals that Sergeant Glenn Trombly earned $149,185, while Officer David Kingsley II received $147,745. Officer Matthew Galliher made $114,375, and Sergeant Michael Marshaw earned $105,672. Other officers like Christopher Walrath, Nicholas Kieffer, Anthony Farina, and nurse Kyle Dashnaw also received salaries exceeding $100,000, highlighting the lucrative compensation packages for some in the corrections field.

While the remaining six employees earned less than $100,000, their salaries still represent a significant income. The full list of 2023 salaries includes: Nicholas Anzalone ($87,028), Robert Kessler ($89,248), Michael Fisher ($85,143), Michael Along ($88,333), Shea Schoff ($87,276), and David Walters ($70,423). This financial information raises important questions about the funding and priorities of the corrections system.

A spokesperson representing the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision confirmed to TMZ that thirteen of the implicated employees have been suspended without pay as a result of the incident, while Farina has submitted his resignation. These developments indicate a serious response to the allegations and a commitment to addressing misconduct within the department.

In light of these events, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has taken decisive action by ordering corrections commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello to initiate the termination process for the remaining active prison workers involved in this tragic case. This situation underscores the urgent need for reform in the correctional system and accountability for those entrusted with the safety of inmates.