5 Rikers Island guards convicted in inmate assault

NEW YORK (AP) -- Five New York jail employees, including a Correction Department chief, have been convicted of attempted assault charges for allegedly beating an inmate who stared down the chief during a search of his cell at Rikers Island.  

Bronx prosecutors say former Assistant Chief of Security Eliseo Perez and officers Alfred Rivera, Tobias Parker, Jose Parra and David Rodriguez, were convicted Tuesday. They each face up to 15 years in prison.

A sixth guard, Jeffrey Richard, who prosecutors alleged help cover up the attack, was found not guilty.

Prosecutors said Perez ordered guards to attack inmate Jahmal Lightfoot on June 11, 2012 after the inmate stared him down.

Authorities said Lightfoot suffered two broken eye sockets and other injuries.

Prosecutors said the guards also falsified reports to say Lightfoot had a weapon.