Seven employees disciplined following investigation into death of detainees ‘Jason’ Ng

By VINAYA SAKSENA

CENTRAL FALLS — The operators of the prison where an immigration detainee died last year have completed an internal investigation they say exonerates their facility in his death.  However, that investigation finds fault with some Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility employees in the death of Hiu Lui “Jason” Ng.

Wyatt administrators have begun disciplinary action against seven staffers for “specific failures to comply with facility policies and procedures” during the 25 days that Ng was held there. The Hong Kong native died on Aug. 6, 2008, at age 25.
At the time, Ng was in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), whose officials are conducting their own investigation into Ng's death.
A Wyatt spokesperson noted that the current disciplinary action was unconnected to the circumstances surrounding Ng's death. The spokesperson statement maintained that Ng had received “appropriate and timely medical attention” while at the facility.
The news of the seven Wyatt employees’ punishment — which was said to range “from reprimand to termination” — comes as the facility begins layoffs that are at least partially attributable to the Ng inquiry, according to Wyatt spokesman Dante Bellini. Bellini could not confirm reports that a pair of top officials had been laid off, including an associate warden.
Bellini previously said layoffs may be necessary due to the loss of revenue incurred when ICE removed 153 detainees. At the time, ICE officials said its detainees would not be housed at the Wyatt while their investigation into Ng’s death was under way.
It was not clear if or when ICE detainees may return to the facility, but Central Falls Mayor Charles Moreau said he had been in regular contact with the offices of Congressman Patrick Kennedy and both Rhode Island senators in pursuit of that objective.
“We’re concerned for the jobs,” Moreau said. “We’re in contact almost daily. It’s a lot of money that the city doesn’t get.”
Bellini said some Wyatt cutbacks include the closing of two housing pods, the elimination of some programs and an unspecified number of layoffs. He also said new positions once slated to open this year will not be filled.
Bellini added that the Wyatt "may or may not" fill slots that opened when employees were fired in connection with the Ng investigation. How deep staff cuts would run, he said, would depend largely on if and when ICE detainees come back.
Bellini said Wyatt management was attempting to keep the operation sound and stave off further cuts. However, without the detainees, its future is uncertain, he said: “That does not preclude that there may be other actions down the line. It will all be contingent on what the ICE decision is.”