CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island prison guard has been arrested on simple assault charges because investigators say he struck a handcuffed inmate in the face.
An investigation found that 55-year-old Mark Denis, an Adult Correctional Institutions officer, struck the maximum security inmate while awaiting a prison disciplinary proceeding.
The inmate was not seriously injured and did not require medical treatment.
Denis, of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, was arrested Tuesday and released on $1,000 personal recognizance.
He faces up to one year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000.
Denis has been on paid administrative leave since January.
No defense attorney is listed in online court records.
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