Two New York City jail guards charged in beating of mentally-challenged inmate

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NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City jail captain and a correction officer have been charged with assault and other crimes in the beating of a mentally challenged 18-year-old inmate at Rikers Island.

Capt. Medzid Kolenovic and Officer Jean Destine pleaded not guilty Friday to misdemeanor assault and to felony charges that they altered use-of-force documents.

Prosecutors say Kolenovic and Destine beat the inmate in a supply closet after an argument. They say the two also falsely claimed workers’ compensation after the Dec. 9 beating of Ambirorix Celedonio.

Officials say the two guards have been put on modified duty. Their lawyers didn’t immediately return messages seeking comment.

Celedonio’s attorney says he has an IQ of 65. He was being held on a gang assault charge, but he’s no longer in custody and his case has been sealed.

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This story has been corrected to show the correction officers have been placed on modified duty, not suspended.

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