NEW YORK – The Bronx District Attorney’s office announced the indictment of a New York City correction officer on charges of gang assault and other offenses in connection with a scheme to use inmates to enforce discipline at the Robert N. Davoren Center on Rikers Island.

A grand jury indicted Lloyd Nicholson, of the Bronx, on one count of Gang Assault in the second degree, three counts of Assault in the second degree, three counts of Assault in the third degree, and four counts of Official Misconduct. 

Nicholson is facing a maximum sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment if he is convicted of the most serious charge, Gang Assault in the second degree.

Nicholson, a New York City correction officer since June 2001, surrendered with his attorney and was arraigned before State Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett.  Nicholson was released on a $100,000 personal recognizance bond pending the outcome of his trial.

Nicholson, according to the 11 count indictment, was responsible for assaults on three inmates on two different occasions in May and June of 2007.  The grand jury charged Nicholson with “acting in concert” in causing physical injury to two inmates on June 10, 2007 by ordering six other inmates to beat them.  One of the two victims sought medical attention and was taken to Elmhurst Hospital for treatment of a collapsed lung.  It is also alleged that on an earlier occasion between May 18 and May 25, 2007, Nicholson personally assaulted a third inmate with a wooden stick.

The six inmates who allegedly administered the beatings in the June 10, 2007 incident were indicted last October on charges of Gang Assault in the second degree, Assault in the second degree and Assault in the third degree.