By: Richard L. Smith
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that six correctional officers have been indicted by a state grand jury in connection with the 2020 assault of an inmate at the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility in Burlington County, New Jersey.
The officers, including Sgt. Michael Emmert, Senior Corrections Officers Christopher Toth, Mark Sadlowski Jr., Raymond Quinones, Michael Gaines, and Michael Ambrozaitis, face charges related to the pepper spraying and forceful removal of an inmate on April 8, 2020, as well as falsifying reports to cover up the incident.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s Corruption Bureau and the Department of Corrections’ Special Investigations Division.
The officers are accused of using excessive force on the inmate without giving him an opportunity to comply, despite his willingness to cooperate.
The defendants allegedly filed false reports to justify their actions, falsely claiming the use of force was necessary.
Attorney General Platkin condemned the officers’ conduct, stating it undermines the integrity of corrections staff who perform their duties lawfully. “The mistreatment of young adults in the State’s care will not be tolerated,” Platkin said.
The officers face charges of official misconduct, tampering with public records, and falsifying records.
Emmert and Toth face additional charges of aggravated assault. If convicted, they could face significant prison time and fines.
This case underscores ongoing efforts to hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct, especially in correctional facilities.