HOLT’s STORY: an attack and punishment while following rules

At approximately 12:45 PM, Holt arrived at the Activities Building for Rastafarian service, which he leads and organizes. Though staff initially told him to return at 1:00 PM, the Chaplain had previously authorized early arrival at 12:30 PM to set up.

Upon reentry through the gym entrance, Holt cleared the metal detector without issue. Inside, an Office of Special Investigations (OSI) officer with a K9 instructed him and two others to stop while the dog was run through. The OSI officer claimed the dog “hit” on Holt and ordered a pat down by a Sergeant, who found no contraband. Despite this, the OSI officer directed staff to take Holt to the gym bathroom for a strip search.

During the search, Holt noticed stickers partially covering officers’ body cameras. Feeling unsafe, he attempted to return to the main gym area, where he was tackled by multiple officers. Holt reports being held down and beaten by several staff—resulting in a fractured toe, dislocated elbow, and bruised ribs.

He was handcuffed, compliant, and later taken to medical, where x-rays confirmed the injuries. Despite the report’s claim that a weapon was found, no contraband was discovered during the initial pat down or strip search.

Within days, Holt was transferred overnight, and related medical records have since gone missing. He is now serving 365 days in SHU with loss of commissary and packages for 265 days.

Holt has no history of violence toward staff or possession of weapons in over 11 years of incarceration.