Clinton Correctional Employee Fired for ‘Inappropriate Behavior’ with Inmate

A now former civilian employee at the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, NY is finding herself on the wrong side of the law.

Denise Prell of Peru, NY faces 23 counts of official misconduct along with additional charges of sexual abuse and a felony count of promoting prison contraband.

State Police say a correction officer witnessed inapproriate behavior between Prell and an inmate which resulted in her termination. Further investigation by several state agencies led to the more than two dozen charges she's facing which all involved 'prohibited conduct with an inmate', according to a release from State Police.

Prell was arraigned on the charges and was being held on $15,000 cash bail or $25,000 bond.

Clinton Correctional is the same facility where Richard Matt and David Sweat escaped in 2015, with the assistance of civilian prison employee Joyce Mitchell.

In regards to Prell's arrest, DOCCS spokesman Thomas Mailey issued the following statement:

This case illustrates the cultural shift that has occurred at the Clinton Correctional Facility due in large measure to the changes in policy, procedures and training programs implemented following the Inspector General’s report. Despite this staff person’s attempt to conceal an inappropriate relationship with an inmate, the vigilant awareness of DOCCS and subsequent investigation by both DOCCS Office of Special Investigation and the State Police prevented what could have otherwise been a security breach.