Violent incidents at Long Creek prompt criminal investigations, staff changes
Sep. 16—Prosecutors are considering criminal charges against multiple corrections officers at the state's only youth prison after a series of violent incidents there, and three senior officials in the Maine Department of Corrections are leaving or being reassigned, according to lawmakers who were briefed on the situation.
That news came within weeks of reports that staff at Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland were still using a dangerous form of restraint on incarcerated kids, despite a warning against that practice from a national advocacy group.
Commissioner Randy Liberty shared those developments on a call with a small group of legislators Wednesday, and two people who were on the call shared the details with the Portland Press Herald.
Reached by phone Thursday, Liberty directed questions to a spokeswoman for the department. She did not immediately respond to a voicemail.
Lawmakers said Associate Commissioner Colin O'Neil is being reassigned in the department and will no longer oversee juvenile matters. Caroline Raymond, the superintendent at Long Creek, has resigned. A third person who oversees security at Long Creek retired.
Rep. Grayson Lookner, a Portland Democrat who was on the call, said these incidents emphasize the need to close Long Creek. Lookner worked with youth advocates earlier this year on a bill that would have started that process. It passed the Legislature only to be vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills.
"These events just show in stark relief that it needs to happen," Lookner said. "It must happen. We're failing those kids every day that they're in there."
This story will be updated.
