| Columbia County Sheriff's Office |
David W. Harrison, Jr., SHERIFF James R. Sweet, UNDERSHERIFF
| Copyright ©2006 Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Hudson, NY 12534 |
SHANK FOUND IN JAIL
September 16, 2009
Greenport, NY Sheriff David Harrison, Jr. reports that on September 11, 2009, during a search of cells in the
Columbia County Jail, Sheriff’s Correction Officers found a weapon commonly known in jails and prisons as a
“Shank”. A weapon with one end worn down to a point and modified so that it can be used by one inmate to stab
another inmate, Correction Officer or staff.
The weapon was found hidden in the cell of, and possessed by a 17 year old inmate. This same 17 year old is
currently in jail on similar charges by the State Police relating to the same type of criminal activity in Brookwood
Secure Center, a youth detention facility in Claverack. The name of the inmate is not released due to his age.
The weapon was turned over to Deputy Sheriff Travis VanAlstyne who obtained an Arrest Warrant from
Greenport Judge Abitabile for charges of Promoting Prison Contraband 1st Degree (D-Felony) and Criminal
Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree. The arrest warrant was lodged at the Jail where it will be executed in the
near future.
September 16, 2009
Greenport, NY Sheriff David Harrison, Jr. reports that on September 11, 2009, during a search of cells in the
Columbia County Jail, Sheriff’s Correction Officers found a weapon commonly known in jails and prisons as a
“Shank”. A weapon with one end worn down to a point and modified so that it can be used by one inmate to stab
another inmate, Correction Officer or staff.
The weapon was found hidden in the cell of, and possessed by a 17 year old inmate. This same 17 year old is
currently in jail on similar charges by the State Police relating to the same type of criminal activity in Brookwood
Secure Center, a youth detention facility in Claverack. The name of the inmate is not released due to his age.
The weapon was turned over to Deputy Sheriff Travis VanAlstyne who obtained an Arrest Warrant from
Greenport Judge Abitabile for charges of Promoting Prison Contraband 1st Degree (D-Felony) and Criminal
Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree. The arrest warrant was lodged at the Jail where it will be executed in the
near future.
