MARYSVILLE, Ohio — Newly released body cam video from an incident at an Ohio women’s prison has sparked controversy and calls into question the validity of possible abuse allegations at the Marysville prison. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC) told the Guardian last month that an internal investigation is underway at the prison after inmates reported alleged abuse by staff.
The body cam footage obtained by the Guardian shows a corrections lieutenant, later identified as Thierno Bah, driving a UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) at a high rate of speed and then appearing to drive directly into a group of inmates, striking one individual. The inmate reportedly sustained injuries and received hospital treatment.
The ODRC confirmed that the incident occurred on March 14th.
In a statement, the ODRC said, “A staff member driving a UTV was responding to an incident when the vehicle came into contact with an incarcerated person.” The statement added that the Bah checked on the inmate’s well-being. The inmate was then treated at the prison infirmary before being transferred to an outside hospital for further evaluation and reportedly returned to the reformatory the following day.
According to paperwork, the driver of the UTV, Thierno Bah, was a staff lieutenant.
Sources close to the prison, who wished to remain anonymous, allege that this is not an isolated incident. However, The Guardian could not independently verify these claims.
An ODRC spokesperson confirmed that the Ohio State Highway Patrol was notified, and a separate internal investigation is ongoing.