By: Richard L. Smith
A former officer with the New Jersey Department of Corrections has been sentenced to three years in state prison for using excessive force against a resident at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center’s Special Treatment Unit (STU) in Woodbridge, officials announced.
Giuseppe Mandara (pictured), 55, of Brick, New Jersey, was a 15-year veteran of the Department of Corrections at the time of the 2019 incident. 
On February 21, 2025, New Jersey Superior Court Judge Thomas K. Isenhour sentenced Mandara at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.
He is required to surrender in March to begin serving his sentence.
Mandara pleaded guilty on December 3, 2024, to third-degree aggravated assault.
Under the terms of his plea agreement with the Office of Public Integrity & Accountability (OPIA), he was also required to forfeit his public employment and is permanently barred from holding any government position in the future.
“This violent and unnecessary attack goes against the training and responsibilities expected of a corrections officer,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Instead of maintaining control and order, Mandara acted in rage and inflicted harm. Such conduct tarnishes the reputation of dedicated law enforcement professionals who work to uphold justice and protect public safety. My office remains committed to ensuring that those in custody are treated lawfully and without abuse.”
Drew Skinner, Executive Director of OPIA, condemned Mandara’s actions, emphasizing that he escalated a verbal dispute into a physical confrontation.
“Instead of de-escalating the situation as his training dictated, he pursued the victim, used excessive force, and then attempted to justify his actions under false pretenses,” Skinner said. “Excessive force in correctional facilities will not be tolerated, and accountability is essential.”
Court documents and testimony revealed that the altercation occurred on August 23, 2019, inside the West Housing Unit’s sally port area.
The dispute began at Mandara’s desk and escalated as the victim attempted to walk away.
Instead of letting the situation de-escalate, Mandara removed his duty belt—containing facility keys and a radio—and pursued the victim.
Prosecutors noted that this act demonstrated the officer’s uncontrolled anger, as he left critical security equipment unattended.
Despite another officer’s attempt to intervene, Mandara continued his pursuit, ultimately assaulting the victim.
The altercation ended with both men on the ground, where Mandara repeatedly punched the victim. As part of his plea, Mandara admitted his intent was to cause serious bodily harm and that his actions were unwarranted. 
Several days after the assault, the victim suffered a fatal stroke. A state grand jury later reviewed testimony from the medical examiner regarding the cause of death but did not pursue homicide charges.
Mandara’s sentencing reinforces the state’s commitment to holding law enforcement officials accountable when they abuse their power, officials said.