2 former Rikers guards from Long Island sentenced in gang assault

Two former New York City jail guards from Long Island were among six corrections officers sentenced to prison on Friday in the Bronx for a 2012 gang assault on inmate Jamal Lightfoot at Rikers Island.

Eliseo Perez, 49, of Port Jefferson Station, an assistant chief of security who prosecutors said ordered the beating after he “locked eyes” with Lightfoot during a search at the George Vierno Center, was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison.

David Rodriguez, 41, of Bayville, one of the officers charged with carrying out the beating, was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark’s office said.

The former guards, all terminated, were convicted in June after a 12-week trial in the Bronx. Lightfoot, according to testimony, was kicked repeatedly, and suffered injuries to his eye sockets and other facial bones.

The other four defendants received sentences from 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 years.

“Today’s sentencing accords a measure of justice for the brutal acts perpetrated by former Correction employees including high-ranking officials,” said Mark Peters, head of the city’s Department of Investigation, which worked on the case.