Nebraska prison guards suspended after Facebook posts

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Three Nebraska prison guards have been suspended after allegedly having a Facebook conversation where one suggested he used force against an inmate and enjoyed it. The other two supported his actions.

Department of Correctional Services Director Bob Houston said Thursday that the guards were suspended pending an investigation.

In the alleged Facebook conversation, Caleb Bartels says a good day as a guard includes "getting to smash an inmate's face into the ground," and "for me today was a very good day."

Houston says inmate abuse isn't tolerated.

Former state Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha notified Attorney General Jon Bruning of the matter and asked that the guards be fired.

Bartels could not be reached to comment.

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On the Net:

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services: www.corrections.state.ne.us/

Two other men identified in state records as prison guards, Shawn Paulson and Derek Dickey, posted responses that appeared supportive, including this one from Dickey: “very satisfying isnt it!!!” ...