Chauvin being held in solitary confinement for his own safety: report

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted Tuesday in the death of George Floyd, is currently being held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, The New York Times reports.

Chauvin, 45, was remanded into custody immediately after he was declared guilty on all three counts against him — second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter — and was transferred to the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights soon after.

The prosecution requested that Chauvin’s bail be revoked, which Judge Peter Cahill granted.

Chauvin is waiting for his sentencing. He could face up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, the Times separately reported.

Minnesota Department of Corrections spokeswoman Sarah Fitzgerald told the Times that Chauvin had been placed in the Administrative Control Unit of the prison due to fears over his safety.

Sources close to the matter told the Times that Chauvin’s sentencing date has been set for June 16.

According to the Minnesota Department of Correction’s website, the cell where Chauvin is being held has a bench with a mattress pad, a combined toilet and sink and a shower. Items that are permitted include toiletries, pen and paper, and medical necessities. Reading material like books and magazines as well as a radio may be allowed in some circumstances.

A mental health professional interviews inmates who are held in solitary confinement for more than 30 days and conducts repeat interviews every three months. It is unclear how long Chauvin is expected to be held in the isolated unit.

Chauvin had been held in prison last year before posting $100,000 bail and being released in October, the Times reported.