Aaron Hernandez is ‘charming,’ sheriff says
Aaron Hernandez has been called a lot of things since his arrest for the 2013 slaying of Odin Lloyd: “textbook sociopath,’’ “murderer,’’ “thug.’’ But what about “charming?’’
Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, who has spent time talking to Hernandez firsthand, says that the former Patriots tight end’s charisma is most likely helping him build a social network to support him behind bars.
“When he was with us, we had to handpick the officers we wanted to be around him, because he’s very manipulative,’’ Hodgson told Boston.com. “He has a lot of charm and uses that to get what he wants and position himself with others.’’
After Hernandez’s most recent appearance sporting a new “lifetime’’ neck tattoo and reports of the convicted murderer participating in a two-on-one prison fight, Hodgson said that Hernandez could be doing well socially in the Shirley correctional facility currently holding him.
“Knowing he’s in prison now for life, it shouldn’t surprise anybody that he will be trying to create a network of people in there, and establish his own sort of societal group,’’ Hodgson said.
When asked if Hernandez might be creating his own prison gang, Hodgson said: “He’s certainly somebody that has the capabilities.’’
Hernandez could be disciplined for the new prison tattoo, but Hodgson said he doesn’t think the newly debuted ink is about rebellion. “I don’t see it as that, it’s more of a calculated attempt to establish himself among the people around him,’’ he said. “To make a lifetime allegiance of self-importance.’’
Aaron Hernandez murder trial in pictures:
[bdc-gallery id=”316750″]
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com