Brandon Montanari, a former corrections officer from East Concord, New York, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and two years of supervised release for violating the civil rights of an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility. The sentencing took place in Syracuse.
Montanari previously admitted to assaulting an inmate in April 2023 alongside fellow officers Rohail Kahn and Michael Williams. All three officers punched and kicked the inmate without justification during a nighttime incident. They later agreed to provide false information to internal investigators about what had occurred. Both Kahn and Williams have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented on the case: “I recognize how difficult it is to work as a corrections officer in New York State, but nobody is above the law. It is unacceptable for a corrections officer to assault an inmate. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate these types of incidents and, where appropriate, bring federal criminal charges.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli added: “Mr. Montanari admitted to assaulting an inmate and lying to cover it up. Now he is headed to federal prison. Today’s sentence proves the FBI will not look the other way when an officer violates the laws they are sworn to uphold.”
Williams is scheduled for sentencing on September 26, 2025, while Khan’s sentencing is set for September 29, 2025. Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes will preside over both cases.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with support from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Michael D. Gadarian are prosecuting.
