Florida Correction Officers Accused Of Burning Inmates By Throwing Scalding Hot Water On Them: Sheriff

Two correction officers in Florida were taken into custody after an investigation found they threw boiling hot water onto two inmates, according to authorities.

On Feb. 21, Enzo Finamore, 24, and Casey Howell, 32, were fired and arrested after it was determined at least two prisoners were injured because of their alleged actions, the News-Press reported.

According to Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, another deputy heard rumors about inmates having scalding hot water thrown on them, so he came forward because he felt something wasn’t right.

During a press conference, Marceno said the inmates were in an area for violent inmates and inmates who are a “danger to themselves and others” and, he added, “the injuries appeared to be burns.”

The deputy who discovered the injuries immediately notified his supervisor. The victims had redness on their chests and arms and were treated on-site.

An investigation was launched and eventually determined that Howell and Finamore allegedly threw scalding hot water from a water dispenser onto the inmates, causing first- and second-degree burns, in order to gain compliance, Marceno said.

He noted the investigation also identified two additional victims that had suffered similar injuries but none of the victims said anything to staff members. Now, Marceno said, officials are trying to right as much wrong as they can.

Both Howell and Finamore were charged with official misconduct, and misdemeanor battery. Howell also faces a felony battery charge.

Howell's bond was set at $16,500 bond and Finamore's at $6,500, police said.

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Marceno said he was confident there were no other victims and the internal investigation has been completed but the investigation remains open.

The area where the incident took place did not have security cameras, but Marceno said new cameras have since been installed. Officials also removed the hot water dispensers from the wing.