FBI Probes Alleged Beating of Inmate
An FBI official said the agency is looking into a report by an HIV-positive inmate at the California Institution for Men that he was beaten by guards when they thought he spit in an officer’s face.
Cruz Manzano, 23, faces a charge of battery on a correctional officer. Officer Ricardo Matute testified at a preliminary hearing that Manzano spit on him, a claim the inmate denies. If convicted, Manzano could face up to four additional years on his three-year sentence for a drug offense.
FBI spokeswoman Laura Bosley said the investigation involves an alleged violation of Manzano’s civil rights. Prison spokesman Lt. Tom “T.J.” Padilla said that the prison is conducting its own investigation.
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