September 30, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Lindsay Corcoran 508-368-7252
WORCESTER – A Souza-Baranowski Correctional Facility inmate was sentenced to an additional 18 to 20 years in prison for a 2014 attack on a prison employee, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.
Derek Cryer, 37, pleaded guilty Thursday to several charges stemming from his attack on the employee inside her office on May 28, 2014. He barricaded the door and beat the woman until guards were able to force their way inside and subdue him.
Worcester Superior Court Judge Janet Kenton-Walker sentenced Mr. Cryer to 18 to 20 years on the charge of armed assault with intent to murder. He was also convicted of kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a correctional officer and assault and battery.
“I want to thank the victim for the courage she has shown throughout the course of this investigation,” Mr. Early said. “Her words were compelling.”
Mr. Cryer is already serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for a 1990 murder.