Case Name: In the Matter of Robert Rivera, Petitioner, v. Brian Fischer, as Commissioner of Correctional Services, Respondent
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 2008-12-04
Citations: 57 A.D.3d 1063
Docket Number: 
Parties: In the Matter of Robert Rivera, Petitioner, v Brian Fischer, as Commissioner of Correctional Services, Respondent.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 57
Pages: 1063–1064

Head Matter:
In the Matter of Robert Rivera, Petitioner, v Brian Fischer, as Commissioner of Correctional Services, Respondent.
[867 NYS2d 711]

Opinion:
Petitioner, a prison inmate, was found guilty following a tier III disciplinary hearing of making threats, refusing a direct order and interfering with an employee. The administrative affirmance of that determination prompted petitioner to commence this CPLR article 78 proceeding seeking annulment.
As an initial matter, we note that, contrary to petitioner's assertion, Supreme Court properly transferred the proceeding to this Court inasmuch as the petition raises a question of substantial evidence (see Matter of Rodriguez v Goord, 40 AD3d 1324, 1325 [2007]). Turning to the merits, the misbehavior report, together with the testimony adduced at the hearing, provide substantial evidence to support the determination of guilt (see Matter of Wigfall v Goord, 53 AD3d 943, 943 [2008]). As for petitioner's denial of the allegations against him, a credibility issue was created for resolution by the Hearing Officer (see Matter of Jordan v Fischer, 53 AD3d 1013 [2008]). To the extent preserved, petitioner's remaining contentions, including his claim that he was denied a fair and impartial hearing, have been examined and found to be unavailing.
Peters, J.P., Spain, Carpinello, Malone Jr. and Kavanagh, JJ., concur. Adjudged that the determination is confirmed, without costs, and petition dismissed.