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Two Corrections Officers Arrested For Battery On Inmates, Lying About It

Florida Department of Corrections

The Florida Department of Corrections has fired and arrested two officers, accused of using excessive use of force and falsely reporting it.

Last month, Suwannee Correctional officers Kiree Twiggs and Jo Ann Lopez reported they had to use chemical agents on two inmates who they claimed were fighting.

Lopez also slammed the inmates on the floor, after Twiggs restrained them without justification.

Both inmates, James Saunders and Robert Dunlow, refuted the officers’ stories.

And, the DOC’s Inspector General’s report says the inmate’s version of events was corroborated by eyewitness testimony as well as the inconsistent claims of the officers involved.

Both Twiggs and Lopez were arrested Wednesday.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.