September 11, 2025
On September 10, 2025, at approximately 5:20 p.m., a Trooper assigned to State Police Livingston responded to 419 County Route 29 in the Town of Claverack, Brookwood Secure Facility, for a report of a large fight in progress.
An investigation by uniformed Members and the Livingston Bureau of Criminal Investigation determined that a fight occurred between three incarcerated individuals: an 18-year-old male victim, Malachi Simms, 19, and Richard Avila, 20. The victim sustained facial lacerations and was transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Simms was arrested and charged with Attempted Assault in the 1st Degree, a Class C felony; two counts of Knowingly Making or Possessing Dangerous Contraband in Prison in the 1st Degree, Class D felonies; and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree: Previous Conviction, also Class D felonies.
Avila was arrested and charged with Assault in the 2nd Degree, a Class D felony; Knowingly Making or Possessing Dangerous Contraband in Prison in the 1st Degree, a Class D felony; and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree: Previous Conviction, a Class D felony.
Both Avila and Simms were remanded to Columbia County Jail and are scheduled to appear in court on September 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Contact Troop K Public Information Officer: Trooper Krystal P. Paolicelli
Troop K Commander:
Major Daniel P. Smith