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3 Prison Guards Suspended For Alleged Inmate Abuse

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Three county prison guards in Pennsylvania have been suspended and face charges they harassed and otherwise mistreated inmates.

They're accused of getting inmates to engage in a range of activities, from eating a spoonful of cinnamon to taking pepper spray to the face, in exchange for food and other privileges.

State police said Friday the investigation at York County Prison began after supervisors asked a guard why he was pictured on video grabbing an inmate around the neck.

Police say two inmates told them they were subjected to abuse that included drinking a gallon of milk, eating unpeeled fruit and taking part in wrestling matches to win privileges.

Each guard is charged with one count of official oppression and one count of harassment.

The guards couldn't be reached for comment.

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