Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) have announced serious charges against two Senior Corrections Officers from the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) for allegedly sexually assaulting a female resident at the Female Secure Care and Intake Facility located at 4th St, Bordentown, NJ 08505.
Gary Nieves, 53, of Burlington City, faces multiple charges including four counts of sexual assault (second degree), criminal sexual contact (fourth degree), witness tampering (third degree), and official misconduct (second degree). His colleague, William Young, 35, of Marlton, has been charged with sexual assault (second degree), criminal sexual contact (fourth degree), and official misconduct (second degree).
The charges stem from allegations that on August 14, 2024, staff at the facility received reports of repeated unlawful sexual contact involving the two officers and a resident. The victim confirmed the allegations, detailing multiple incidents of sexual contact occurring in various areas of the facility, including shared spaces and her living quarters. Both Nieves and Young were acting in their official capacities during these alleged offenses.
Attorney General Platkin emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “We will not tolerate people in positions of power using their authority to abuse those in their care.” He expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by the DCJ and the investigative support from the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.
Director J. Stephen Ferketic of the DCJ added, “The Division of Criminal Justice will stop at nothing to hold those accountable who use positions of trust to prey on those that they are charged to protect.”
If found guilty, both officers face significant prison time, with potential sentences of up to 10 years for each count of sexual assault and official misconduct.
The investigation remains active, and authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact Lieutenant Garrett Brown at (609) 273-8631.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
In the aftermath of alarming allegations against corrections officers in New Jersey, victims of sexual abuse while incarcerated often find themselves navigating complex legal waters. To provide clarity on the rights and options available to these individuals, we spoke with Stewart Ryan, an experienced attorney specializing in cases of sexual abuse. In this conversation, Ryan discusses the legal avenues that victims can explore to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation they deserve.
Editor Darla Medina: Given this recent case, can you explain what legal rights inmates have when they face sexual abuse by corrections officers?
Attorney Stewart Ryan: Certainly, Darla. Inmates have the right to be free from sexual abuse and harassment. Under federal law facilities are required to establish protocols for reporting and addressing allegations of abuse.
Medina: What steps can victims take to hold negligent facilities accountable?
Ryan: Victims should document their experiences and report the abuse to authorities, ideally using an advocate or legal representative. They can file complaints with internal oversight bodies and may also pursue civil lawsuits against the facility and the individuals involved.
Medina: How important is legal representation in these cases?
Ryan: It's critical. An experienced attorney can navigate the complexities of the legal system, ensure that victims’ rights are upheld, and help secure the compensation they deserve for the trauma they’ve endured.
Medina: Thank you for your insights. This information is vital for those who may find themselves in such dire situations.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, remember that you are not alone. Victims and their families deserve support and guidance during this challenging time. We invite you to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. Your voice matters, and taking action can lead to healing and accountability. Contact us today to begin your journey towards justice.
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