A screenshot of a video that shows J’Kendric Agee attack a counselor and corrections officers.

A video showing a brutal attack on a counselor and a corrections officer at the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional that led to assault charges against an inmate has been released by the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

In a news release issued Friday morning, the agency acknowledged Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt’s announcement Tuesday afternoon of a grand jury indictment against an incarcerated individual in connection with the violent assault of staff members at the facility on Feb. 23.

Defendant J’Kendric Agee was indicted on charges including two counts of second-degree assault following an investigation and referral by DOCCS. Agee attacked a civilian Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator and a responding Correction Officer, causing injuries that required medical treatment. The defendant was subsequently transferred to another maximum-security correctional facility.

In the two-minute video, Agee becomes aggressively violent with the counselor and additional correction officers who responded within seconds of the incident. The video, before playing via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpOFwNpsvN0, offers a warning about the content.

“We stand in full support of District Attorney Schmidt for his decision to pursue charges against an incarcerated individual responsible for the brutal assault of an officer and civilian counselor at Lakeview Shock Incarceration on February 23.This violent attack is a stark reminder of the dangers faced daily by both uniformed and civilian staff working within our correctional system,” said Chris Summers, state Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) president. “Officers, counselors, educators, and all personnel who enter these facilities do so with the purpose of rehabilitation and service. They should never have to fear for their safety while performing their duties. Holding incarcerated individuals accountable for acts of violence is not optional, it is essential. We also acknowledge the role of DOCCS in assisting efforts to hold this incarcerated individual fully responsible for his actions, and for releasing the video for the public to have a better understanding of what their employees endured in the face of violence.”

As part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Enacted Budget, DOCCS says the state invested $400 million to accelerate and continue the installation of fixed cameras in all facilities. These cameras have proven effective in reducing violence, improving safety for staff and the incarcerated population, and ensuring accountability when misconduct occurs.

Fixed camera footage was instrumental in supporting this investigation and referral, and the Department appreciates the work of our Office of Special Investigations for their work in collecting this critical evidence.

“We appreciate the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office for pursuing this indictment and sending a clear message that violence against correctional staff will not be tolerated,” said Daniel F. Martuscello III, DOCCS commissioner. “The safety of our staff, incarcerated population, and visitors remains our highest priority. In addition to working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals accountable, DOCCS has made significant investments to strengthen security, increase transparency, and reduce violence inside our facilities.”

Nothing in the news release, however, addresses the controversial Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act that has been a point of contention with correction staff officers. The act has led to increased violence at prison facilities across the state.

DOCCS is working with the Office of General Services to expedite the installation of additional fixed cameras across all facilities. Currently, 11 facilities have completed fixed camera projects, with six of those facilities already under construction for additional upgrades. An additional 29 facilities are in the design and/or construction phase.

Recognizing the importance of transparency and accountability, the Fiscal Year 2026 Enacted Budget also invested more than $18 million to expand the body-worn camera program. DOCCS now has body-worn cameras in all 41 facilities statewide.

Martuscello set clear violence reduction goals, resulting in a 14 percent reduction in assaults on staff and 11 percent reduction in assaults on incarcerated individuals last year, with more aggressive goals set for this year. DOCCS has also seen a 42 percent reduction in excessive force allegations and continues to leverage de-escalation and interpersonal communication skills, expand progressive programs, and support family communication and reunification.

New York State Public Employees Federation President Wayne Spence said, “The PEF member assaulted on Feb. 23 at Lakeview Shock Correctional Facility was just doing her job when she was viciously attacked by an incarcerated individual. Today’s indictment starts her pursuit of justice, but it does not fix the systemic problem. PEF calls for these reforms to protect civilian staff from further attacks: Put a security officer in any room where programming is conducted, use video technology when appropriate, and authorize restraint chairs for individuals with a history of violence. Those three commonsense steps can help prevent further assaults.”