Oct. 26, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Paul Jarvey (508) 368-7241
WORCESTER — A 36-year-old inmate was sentenced to 12 to 16 years in state prison today after pleading guilty to a 2012 attack on corrections officers at the Worcester County House of Correction, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Assistant District Attorney Timothy A. Westerman told the court that at about 10:15 a.m. on July 11, 2012 Edwin Santiago ran at corrections officers Anthony Oliveri and Jesse Remillard in the courtyard of the jail holding a sharp, metal object in his hand. Mr. Santiago hit Officer. Oliveri in the face and stabbed him several times.
Mr. Westerman said Mr. Santiago then spit blood and saliva on other corrections officers, claiming he had AIDS.
Mr. Santiago pleaded guilty to armed assault with intent to murder, eight counts of assault and battery on a corrections officer, assault and battery on a public employee, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Judge Janet Kenton-Walker sentenced Mr. Santiago after hearing emotional victim impact statements from corrections officers, including Officers Oliveri and Remillard.
Mr. Westerman recommended a sentence of 29 to 30 years in prison. Mr. Santiago’s lawyer, John P. Morris, asked for 10-12 years.
“This was a viscous attack, which easily could have resulted in death,” Mr. Early said. “Corrections officers have a dangerous and difficult job, and I thank them for their response to this attack and the work they do every day. I also want to praise the tremendous work ADA Westerman did on this case.”