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JUST DETENTION
INTERNATIONAL

November 18, 2010

Paul L. DiPaolo
Assistant Deputy Commissioner-Northern Sector
C/O Overflow Building
P.O. Box 9125
Concord, MA 01747-9125

Dear Commissioner Dipaolo,

I am writing to express concern about MCI Norfolk Inmate Timothy Muise, #W66927. I understand that he has been placed in temporary segregation, pending investigation of a disciplinary matter. Mr. Muise has informed us that he has not been charged with a violation and that he is not certain at this point why he is being held in segregation.

I have appreciated your responsiveness to this issue in the past, and I know Mr. Muise has as well. I was concerned from the outset that speaking out could have a long-term impact on Mr. Muise's life, and am even more so now. I know the Massachusetts Department of Correction has worked to make sure that there are safe avenues to report sexual abuse by making policy changes to comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act, even before the proposed standards are signed into a rule. I am therefore certain that you are committed to ensuring that Massachusetts prisons continue to be places where people are safe to speak out. Any appearance of reprisals against Mr. Muise for speaking out will send a message to inmates and staff alike that reporting concerns related to sexual violence in the MDOC is not safe, which is in direct opposition to the hard work you have done on this issue. I fully believe that this is not the message that you want to send.

I realize that you have vast responsibilities beyond one institution and one investigation, but I respectfully ask that you ensure Mr. Muise is not punished for raising his concerns at MCI Norfolk.

I thank you for the time and concern you have invested in this matter.

Sincerely,

[signature]
Linda McFarlane
Deputy Executive Director

Cc: Veronica Madden, Acting Commissioner
Sandra McCroom, Undersecretary for Criminal Justice
Gary Roden, Superintendent
Timothy Muise

RAPE IS NOT PART OF THE PENALTY