WARREN, Maine — Editor's note: The video attached to this story was first published Feb. 21, 2024.
Three workers at the Maine State Prison have been placed on administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct.
Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner Randall Liberty told NEWS CENTER Maine that the three people on leave include a warden, a deputy warden, and a captain, though he did not provide names.
Liberty said the investigation was expected to take another 60 days.
Hazing prevention is part of the training for cadets, Liberty said Friday at the corrections officers' graduation ceremony in Vassalboro, but he said there will be more focus on that subject in the future.
The Maine DOC confirmed with NEWS CENTER Maine on Wednesday that it has been looking into misconduct at its largest prison since August 2023.
Allegations came to light alleging hazing, employee retaliation, harassment, and inappropriate relations between employees and inmates, Liberty said in a statement.
"The commissioner is taking, and will continue to take, appropriate actions in response to and as justified by the results of the investigation," the statement said.
Few details were offered as to how deep these allegations spread among employees at Maine State Prison in Warren, but a spokesperson for the DOC said there is new leadership for the prison at least for now.
Matthew Magnusson, who is the warden for the prison, is no longer in charge. James Hancox, who is the DOC Deputy Director of Operations, took the leadership role as of Tuesday, Feb. 20.
The statement said these allegations go back to 2023, with the investigation still ongoing as of the publishing of this report.
This story is developing and will be updated as information becomes available.