Opinion
October 16, 1997
Appeal from the Supreme Court, Albany County.
Petitioner, a prison inmate, was charged with and ultimately found guilty of violating the prison disciplinary rules which prohibit violent conduct, making threats, creating a disturbance and refusing a direct order. The charges stem from an incident wherein petitioner became disruptive and threatening in the visit area frisk room after being informed that his brother would not be visiting him.
Initially, we reject petitioner's contention that an alleged error in the precise time of the incident indicated in the misbehavior report requires that the determination be annulled. The factual allegations contained in the misbehavior report were sufficiently detailed to apprise petitioner of the specific incident and charges against him, thereby enabling him to prepare a defense ( see, Matter of Torres v. Coombe, 234 A.D.2d 710). Moreover, petitioner demonstrated no prejudice resulting therefrom, rendering any technical defect harmless ( see generally, Matter of Rodriquez v. Coombe, 238 A.D.2d 691, 692).
The detailed misbehavior report coupled with the testimony of the correction officers present at the time of the incident constitute substantial evidence supporting the determination of petitioner's guilt on all charges ( see, Matter of Chappelle v Coombe, 234 A.D.2d 779). Any conflicting testimony presented at the hearing created a credibility issue for the Hearing Officer to resolve ( see, Matter of Lee v. McCoy, 233 A.D.2d 632).
Petitioner's contention that he was denied access to relevant documentary evidence has not been preserved for our review ( see, Matter of Maldonado v. Coughlin, 186 A.D.2d 974, 975). In any event, petitioner's contention is without merit inasmuch as the record indicates that the requested documents (i.e., unusual incident report, termination information regarding denial and the Watch Commander's log entries) did not exist ( see, Matter of Green v Coombe, 234 A.D.2d 756, 757).
Lastly, in the absence of supporting evidence, we reject petitioner's claim that the misbehavior report was filed against him in retaliation for his commencement of a civil rights action against respondent ( see, Matter of Gill v. Selsky, 240 A.D.2d 831; Matter of La Bounty v. Selsky, 222 A.D.2d 917, lv denied 87 N.Y.2d 809).
Crew III, J.P., Yesawich Jr., Spain and Carpinello, JJ., concur. Adjudged that the determination is confirmed, without costs, and petition dismissed.