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Officer at prison clinic says he didn't see Valdes mistreated
©Associated Press
February 12, 2002
STARKE -- A prison officer testified Monday that he did not see or hear anything inappropriate when guards brought death row inmate Frank Valdes to the clinic on the day Valdes died.
Officer David Reynolds, who was working the front desk in the health clinic for the first time on July 17, 1999, testified he saw guards bring Valdes to the clinic after a cell extraction during the morning and later in the afternoon.
Three former prison guards are on trial on charges of second-degree murder for Valdes' death: Capt. Timothy Thornton, 36; Sgt. Charles Brown, 28; and Sgt. Jason Griffis, 28.
Prosecutors allege that Valdes died soon after a vicious beating by guards in the afternoon.
During the first day of the defense's case, Reynolds said he did not see any injuries when the inmate passed through the gate and into the emergency room.
Under cross-examination by Assistant State Attorney Marc Peterson, Reynolds said he did not enter the examination room while the staff treated Valdes or get a clear view of the inmate.
The defense may complete its case today. The case could go to the jury by the end of the week.
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