SCI-Fayette prison guard accused of assaulting inmate
A corrections officer at SCI-Fayette allegedly assaulted an inmate on Christmas Eve and then lied about it.
Richard Cacurak, 25, of Carmichaels is accused of pushing an inmate into his cell and punching him in the head until other officers arrived. Authorities said the alleged attack was documented on video.
According to a complaint filed by an investigator with the state Department of Corrections, Cacurak claimed the inmate, identified as Vuyani Gxuluwe, yelled profanities at another inmate.
Cacurak told investigators when he told Gxuluwe to stop, but Gxuluwe spit on him and then resisted when he was being handcuffed. In a report on the incident, Cacurak wrote that he had to hit Gxuluwe “several times to keep (him) from breaking my wrist, my fingers and possibly doing more bodily harm,” court paperwork stated.
However, investigators alleged, video of the incident shows the two men talking, and Cacurak following Gxuluwe as he walks away.
“CO Cacurak then charges inmate Gxuluwe, grabs and forcibly pushes him into a cell door, knocking both subjects to the ground. CO Cacurak then punches Gxuluwe in the head multiple times,” court paperwork stated.
According to the complaint, the video shows Cacurak “appears to pursue and attack” Gxuluwe. Additionally, the video does not show Gxuluwe spit on Cacurak, investigators noted.
Gxuluwe told authorities that Cacurak pushed him into a wall, slammed him to the floor and kicked and punched him. Gxuluwe’s cellmate told investigators he saw Cacurak punch and try to choke Gxuluwe.
Gxuluwe was treated at the prison for cuts to his mouth and head, and for pain to his shoulder and wrist. The following day, he was taken to Allegheny General hospital for treatment.
Cacurak was charged with obstruction, unsworn falsification to authorities, false reports and simple assault.
His arraignment has not been scheduled.
Reached Tuesday afternoon, a DOC spokesperson said they could not immediately comment on the allegations or on Cacurak’s employment status.