Bronx, New York – A former Rikers guard, who was sexually assaulted by an inmate, is now claiming that a nurse at the notorious jail could have been spared an attempted rape if supervisors had taken her attack more seriously. Yessica Delacruz revealed that the incident occurred during an overnight shift at one of the jail’s clinics when she encountered the inmate, Michael Cleaver, who had a history of criminal charges.
Delacruz, who is suing the city for damages and emotional distress, described how Cleaver aggressively assaulted her while she was on duty. Despite her efforts to push him back into the cell and seek help from supervisors, Delacruz was left to deal with the dangerous situation on her own.
The lack of swift action from management led to a harrowing experience for Delacruz, as she found herself facing Cleaver’s relentless attempts to harm her. With no immediate assistance available, Delacruz resorted to using pepper spray to defend herself against the inmate’s advances.
Following the traumatic incident, Delacruz revealed that the culture of indifference she encountered within the jail’s leadership further exacerbated her distress. Instead of receiving appropriate support and protection, Delacruz was met with callous and dismissive behavior from those in charge.
This alarming situation eventually culminated in Cleaver’s violent attack on another nurse in the facility, underscoring the repercussions of the systemic failures to address safety concerns at Rikers Island. Delacruz’s legal actions aim to bring attention to the urgent need for reforms within the Department of Corrections to protect officers from such incidents in the future.
In response to these revelations, Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association President Benny Boscio emphasized the importance of holding supervisors accountable for their roles in preventing such assaults. The organization has advocated for legislative changes to enhance the safety and well-being of correction officers facing similar threats.
The disturbing series of events recounted by Delacruz sheds light on the pervasive issue of security lapses and inadequate support systems within the correctional system. As she continues to pursue justice for herself and her colleagues, Delacruz’s story serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the safety and well-being of those working in challenging environments like Rikers Island.