Utica, N.Y. — A former sergeant pleaded guilty Thursday to assault in connection with the fatal beating of an inmate earlier this year at a Central New York prison.

Francis Chandler Jr. pleaded guilty to second-degree gang assault. He was promised a sentence of four years in state prison.

Chandler had been indicted on the assault charge, as well as second-degree manslaughter, two counts of fifth-degree conspiracy, first-degree offering of a false instrument and tampering with evidence.

A series of corrections officers are accused of delivering multiple beatings to inmate Messiah Nantwi on March 1 at the Mid-State Correctional Facility in Oneida County.

They used their fists, batons and boots to strike Nantwi, prosecutors have said. He was found with no signs of life 45 minutes afte

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