Inmate Guilty in Attack on Nashua Street Jail Officer

Six to seven years added to his sentence

BOSTON, January 16, 2020 – A former Nashua Street Jail inmate was sentenced yesterday for his role in a brutal attack on a Corrections Officer just over a year ago, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office announced. GIOVANNI BUCHANAN, 25, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Robert Tochka to six to seven years for attacking a Corrections Officer on Jan. 10, 2019 with another inmate, CARLOS CARRASQUILLO.

“The violence perpetrated against this corrections officer will never be tolerated by my Office,’’ said District Attorney Rachael Rollins. “We pushed for a significant sentence, not only because of the severity of the injuries sustained, but to send a strong deterrent message that physical and violent attacks on law enforcement are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Suffolk County. This is a message that bears repeating and amplification, especially after the horrible attack on a Corrections Officer earlier this month at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center.”

In the case at Nashua Street, the officer involved was a 13-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and remains injured as a result of the attack. He was hospitalized and treated for a concussion, loss of vision, an orbital bone socket fracture, a sinus plate fracture and other injuries. He has a loss of feeling and function of facial muscles, and loss of sense of smell and taste.

Buchanan will serve the sentence from and after his current three to four year sentence for an Essex County drug conviction. Carrasquillo’s case is pending.

The evidence – including video surveillance – showed that Carrasquillo and Buchanan, both prisoners at Nashua Street Jail, randomly attacked a Corrections Officer in the 23 Unit during their recreational period.  Carrasquillo allegedly became irate with the unit officer over a disagreement about following standard jail protocol.  Carrasquillo lunged at the officer and punched him in the face.  At this point, Buchanan, Carrasquillo’s cell mate, lunged at the officer and punched him in the face and body repeatedly.  While Buchanan attacked the officer, Carrasquillo kicked him in the head and body. 

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.