Three people indicted in assault at Columbia County juvenile detention facility

Three people have been indicted in connection with an attack last October at a juvenile detention facility in Columbia County.

It happened during a basketball game on Oct. 19, 2024, at the Brookwood Secure Center for Youth. A group of five people are accused of kicking and punching the victim while he was on the ground. One juvenile used a sharp object, which was never recovered, to slice the victim. The teen was taken to Albany Medical Center, where he received more than 100 stitches, according to the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.

A16-year-old juvenile, who was 15 at the time of the attack, has been indicted on three felony and one misdemeanor count of assault, as well as second-degree gang assault, promoting prison contraband and criminal possession of a weapon.

His name is being withheld because of his age.

James Gomez, 21, and Miguel Gonzales, 20, were charged with second-degree gang assault and second-degree assault.

If convicted, they face 3 ½ to 15 years in prison.

Two other defendants, who were both 18 at the time, are facing lesser charges in connection with the attack. The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office said they are in negotiations about possible plea deals.