ECI CO that ordered inmate to be stabbed takes plea deal

this is the second correctional officer to accepted a deal — admitting guilt – in the hopes of a lighter sentence. 47 abc’s julian sadur has been following the unfolding details of this contraband smuggling investigation at e-c-i — and joins us now live in studio with more. julian. emily – like the other correctional officers involved in this scandal -rachelle hankerson took money to smuggle drugs into the prison. however that’s not all she did. earlier this year hankerson also ordered a prison gang member to stab another inmate on her behalf. all because she allegedly felt – disrespected. track rachelle hankerson joined the department of corrections in 2011 – and according to court documents – had a duty to ensure no criminal activity occurred on her watch. as it turns out – it was hankerson – who ultimately proved to be a criminal herself. admitting in a plea deal that she accepted thousands of dollars to smuggle in cell phones – synthetic marijuana and more into the prison. but also admitting she ordered an attack on an inmate. this past july – hankerson reportedly felt disrespected by an inmate-so she asked a bloods gang member involving in the smuggling ring – to handle the situation. hankerson gave that person special permission to gain access to the inmates cell – where he violently attacked the inmate – stabbing him several times. when hankerson was alerted to the stabbing – she simply walked away. she also told another inmate who heard the attack to lie to authorities and say she wasn’t there when it happened. after pleading guilty – hankerson could face 21 years for involvement in the racketeering operation and 16 years for her involvement in the stabbing. hankerson is set to be sentenced in february of next year. now earlier today – i also learned that a third defendant has taken a plea deal. inmate ramel chase – also known as rara. he has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the racketeering scandal. from what i’ve read in the original indictment – rara used a smuggled in cell phone to orchestrate drug deals from behind prison walls. according to court documents – on occasion chase would use lip balm tops to package contraband. for his crimes – chase could face up to 20 years behind bars. he is set to be sentenced in february of next year – along with rachelle hankerson and miguel matos – the other two defendants who have taken plea deals. emily – back to you. thank you julian. that’s 47 abc’s julian sadur reporting live in studio for us tonight. now to see more of our extensive coverage on the eci scandal …. you can just head online and logon