Corrections Officer Sues New York State After Acquittal in Inmate Death Case

Nicholas Kieffer files $5 million lawsuit for malicious prosecution, defamation, and breach of contract

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:15pm

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Nicholas Kieffer, a corrections officer who was acquitted in the 2022 death of inmate Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility, has filed a $5 million lawsuit against the state of New York. Kieffer's attorney claims his client was wrongfully accused, had his reputation damaged, and was denied pay despite following all policies and procedures.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between corrections officers and state authorities over use of force incidents in prisons. Kieffer's lawsuit alleges the prosecution was politically motivated, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.

The details

Kieffer was one of several corrections officers accused of attacking and pepper-spraying inmate Robert Brooks, who later died in the prison infirmary. However, a jury cleared Kieffer and another officer, Matthew Galliher, of all charges in November 2025. Kieffer's attorney claims his client merely followed his training and employment rules, yet was denied pay and had his reputation damaged by the "ill-conceived" prosecution.

  • Kieffer and Galliher were acquitted of all charges in November 2025.
  • Kieffer filed his $5 million lawsuit against New York State on February 3, 2026.

The players

Nicholas Kieffer

A corrections officer who was acquitted in the 2022 death of inmate Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility.

David Longeretta

The attorney representing Nicholas Kieffer in his lawsuit against New York State.

Robert Brooks

An inmate at the Marcy Correctional Facility who died in the prison infirmary in 2022.

Matthew Galliher

A corrections officer who was acquitted alongside Nicholas Kieffer in the 2022 death of inmate Robert Brooks.

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of the State of New York.

Letitia James

The Attorney General of the State of New York.

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What they’re saying

“Everything he did was within policy and he's let go, he's denied his pay, he had to defend himself through the charge. His reputation has been damaged by this, his ability to maintain his chosen career has been taken away from him; him and his family have suffered as a result of this. All he did was follow his training and employment rules and policies and procedures.”

— David Longeretta, Attorney for Nicholas Kieffer (The Daily Sentinel)

“His arrest was 'maliciously made.' The claim also states that the prosecution was 'ill-conceived, ill-intended right from its inception, and was used to simply further the political agenda of the Governor of the State of New York, Kathy Hochul, and NY Attorney General Letitia James.'”

— David Longeretta, Attorney for Nicholas Kieffer (The Daily Sentinel)

What’s next

The lawsuit filed by Nicholas Kieffer against New York State is expected to proceed through the legal system, with the courts determining the merits of his claims of malicious prosecution, defamation, and breach of contract.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between corrections officers and state authorities over the use of force in prisons, as well as concerns about the transparency and accountability of the criminal justice system. The lawsuit alleges the prosecution was politically motivated, raising questions about how such high-profile cases are handled.