PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The first of three former corrections officers charged with assaulting inmates at the U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy is expected to enter a guilty plea later on Wednesday.

Samuel Patrick, 41, of West Van Lear, asked to change his plea last week. A judge allowed the request and scheduled a hearing for Wednesday in Lexington.

Patrick; Clinton Pauley, 40, of Ironton, Ohio; and Kevin Pearce Jr., 37, of Inez, were indicted in federal court last May on charges related to the assault of two inmates and a subsequent coverup. In October, all three men were also charged with attacking a third inmate.

All three originally pleaded not guilty, but Patrick asked to change his plea on Friday.

Pauley has also indicated that he is trying to finalize a plea deal with prosecutors and asked for a delay, but the judge refused to reschedule the trial.

Pauley and Pearce are currently scheduled to go on trial March 6.