ROBINSON v. HERBERT (1998)

The misbehavior report written by the correction officer who discovered a jagged can lid on top of petitioner's locker and a sharp pair of scissors under the bunk in petitioner's cube constitutes substantial evidence to support the determination that petitioner violated inmate rule 113.10 (7 NYCRR 270.2 [B] [14][i] ).   Although petitioner was living in a double bunk cube, his admission to the correction officer that the property under the bunk was his with the exception of two bags provides sufficient evidence that petitioner had “substantial control” over the area where the pair of scissors was found and supports an inference of knowing possession by petitioner (Matter of Aballe v. Coughlin, 216 A.D.2d 949, 629 N.Y.S.2d 148;  see, Matter of Jay v. Coombe, 233 A.D.2d 661, 662, 649 N.Y.S.2d 831;  Matter of Price v. Coughlin, 195 A.D.2d 995, 600 N.Y.S.2d 408).   That inference may be drawn even if others had access to the area (see, Matter of Ruger v. Goord, 252 A.D.2d 989, 676 N.Y.S.2d 377 [decided herewith] ).   The denial by petitioner that he made the statement to the officer and his denial of any knowledge of the weapons presented an issue of credibility for the Hearing Officer (see, Matter of Ruger v. Goord, supra ).

Determination unanimously confirmed without costs and petition dismissed.

MEMORANDUM: