WARREN, Maine — Prisoners at the state's largest prison are being investigated for allegations of mistreatment of dogs, according to emails from Maine Department of Corrections officials.
A spokesperson for the DOC Monday said the inmates were staying at the Earned Living Unit, a department of Maine State Prison in Warren that houses inmates who can gain career skills. The spokesperson added it was part of the Dog Handling/Training program at the ELU.
This investigation announcement comes less than a month after three high-ranking officials at Maine State Prison were put on administrative leave after allegations surfaced of hazing, harassment and inappropriate relations between employees and inmates.
That investigation from February goes more into the prison itself, but the latest investigation pertains strictly to inmate conduct, according to the DOC spokesperson.
Dogs have been used at Maine State Prison for years to help inmates with their mental health and overall wellbeing. In 2017, NEWS CENTER Maine reported on the benefits dogs have on inmates who serve long sentences.
Multiple organizations have brought dogs into Maine State Prison over the years, and it's not known which organization's dogs were potentially involved in the allegations.
It is not known at this time how long the investigation into the inmates alleged misconduct will take, but the previous investigation into the high-ranking employees is expected to go until the end of April.
Allegations came to light alleging hazing, employee retaliation, harassment, and inappropriate relations between employees and inmates, DOC Commissioner Randall Liberty said in a statement.
"The commissioner is taking, and will continue to take, appropriate actions in response to and as justified by the results of the investigation," the statement said.
Few details were offered as to how deep these allegations spread among employees at Maine State Prison in Warren, but a spokesperson for the DOC said there is new leadership for the prison at least for now.
Matthew Magnusson, who is the warden for the prison, is no longer in charge. James Hancox, who is the DOC Deputy Director of Operations, took the leadership role as of Tuesday, Feb. 20.
The statement said these allegations go back to 2023.