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EMS Rikers Duo Probed

New York Post, September 12, 1990

By Phillip Messing

A Queens grand jury is probing an EMS paramedic’s claim that he was slashed by a correction officer during last month’s bloody Rikers Island prison riot, The Post has learned.

Emergency Medical Services paramedic Richard Cotto is suspected of cutting himself Aug. 13 after he arrived at Rikers to treat an inmate injured during the clash between prisoners and guards, informed sources said.

The grand jury is also probing EMS technician Claudia Betancur’s claim that her apartment was burglarized by a correction officer, sources said.

Investigators suspect Betancur, who was also hurt during the Rikers riot, staged the break-in.

Cotto, meanwhile, is facing felony charges for allegedly filing a false police report and could be indicted within the next week, sources said.

In addition, several top EMS officials are being investigated on the suspicion that they covered up Cotto’s alleged scheme, sources said.

The probe could prove politically embarrassing to Mayor Dinkins, who, as a result of paramedics’ injuries, agreed to extend EMS workers’ sick-leave benefits if they agreed to service Rikers without escorts.

Investigators said they believe Cotto was roughed up during the Rikers clash, in which seven EMS employees and three guards were injured.

But after interviewing witnesses and assessing Cotto’s wounds, investigators believe the paramedic slashed himself at Elmhurst General Hospital to draw attention, sources said.

Witnesses have also told probers that Cotto did not appear to have been slashed at the scene of the confrontation – or when he was first treated at the hospital.

Cotto’s lawyer, Jay Itkowitz, said he was “incredulous” over the allegation that his client fabricated the slashing.

Phil Seelig, head of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association union, called the charge troubling.

“This incident was used by City Hall to portray correction officers in the most negative fashion- as lawless and brutal,” Seelig said.

“It seems as if City Hall rewarded them for gaining a public-relations advantage over the wildcatters rather than investigating to substantiate what actually occurred.”

Prosecuter Michael Mansfield, chief of Queens District Attorney John Santucci’s integrity Bureau, declined to comment.