SCRANTON, PA — Carlos Rodriguez-Cruz, a 32-year-old inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Schuylkill, Minersville, Pennsylvania, was indicted Tuesday for allegedly assaulting a federal corrections officer and possessing contraband within the prison facility. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Rodriguez-Cruz, originally from Puerto Rico, has been charged with engaging in a physical altercation with a corrections officer and possessing a homemade weapon, commonly referred to as a “shank,” within the prison on October 6, 2023. These charges were filed following an investigation into the incident.
After the alleged assault, staff members at the Federal Correctional Institution conducted a search on Rodriguez-Cruz and reportedly found the dangerous prison-made weapon in his possession.
The case against Rodriguez-Cruz was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service, with Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara leading the prosecution.
If found guilty, Rodriguez-Cruz could face up to 13 years imprisonment under federal law, along with a term of supervised release post-imprisonment and a fine. Sentencing will be determined by the Judge, taking into consideration the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
It’s important to note that indictments and criminal informations are merely allegations. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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