Gary Nieves, 53, of Burlington City, New Jersey, has been charged by criminal complaint with four counts of sexual assault, second degree; criminal sexual contact, fourth degree; witness tampering, third degree; and official misconduct, second degree.
William Young, 35, of Marlton, New Jersey, has been charged by criminal complaint with sexual assault, second degree; criminal sexual contact, fourth degree; and official misconduct, second degree.
“We will not tolerate people in positions of power using their authority to abuse those in their care. The allegations facing these officers, that they preyed on a young person who was in their custody, warrant serious consequences,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “I am grateful for the thorough and swift work of the Division of Criminal Justice, with investigative support from the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, undertaken in this case.”
“I am grateful to the team of DCJ detectives and prosecutors who swiftly and diligently investigated this deeply troubling conduct,” said J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “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.”
The complaint and the affidavit of probable cause allege that on August 14, 2024, staff members of the JJC received information that two senior corrections officers at the Female Secure Care and Intake Facility, commonly referred to as the Hayes Unit, were having repeated unlawful sexual contact with a resident. The victim subsequently confirmed the allegations made against both Officers Nieves and Young. Instances of the alleged sexual contact and sexual assault were identified as taking place in various locations in the secure care facility including shared spaces and the victim’s living quarters. Nieves and Young were acting in their capacity as senior corrections officers with the JJC when they allegedly engaged in various forms of sexual contact and sexual assault, including penetration, on numerous occasions against the victim.
If convicted of the charges, both Nieves and Young could face up to 10 years in New Jersey state prison for each sexual assault and official misconduct count.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Nicole Siano of DCJ, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Laura Magnone and DCJ Deputy Director Jillian Carpenter.
The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Attorney General also thanks the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability for its outstanding investigative work.
This remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information relevant to the State’s allegations is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Garrett Brown at (609) 273-8631.
Two senior corrections officers at the Juvenile Justice Commission are facing charges of sexual assault and official misconduct following an investigation into their alleged actions. The officers, who have not been named publicly, are accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior with juvenile detainees under their care.
The charges stem from incidents that reportedly took place over a period of several months, during which the officers are said to have used their positions of authority to coerce and manipulate the young detainees into engaging in sexual acts. The allegations have shocked and outraged many in the community, as the Juvenile Justice Commission is tasked with providing a safe and secure environment for at-risk youth who have been placed in their care.
The investigation into the officers’ conduct began after several detainees came forward with allegations of abuse. The allegations were taken seriously by the authorities, who launched a thorough investigation into the matter. As a result of the investigation, the two officers were arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and official misconduct.
The charges against the officers highlight the importance of maintaining strict standards of conduct and professionalism within the criminal justice system. It is essential that those entrusted with the care and supervision of vulnerable populations, such as juvenile detainees, adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their charges with respect and dignity.
The Juvenile Justice Commission has stated that it is cooperating fully with the investigation and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals under its care. The commission has also stated that it will be conducting a thorough review of its policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The charges against the two senior corrections officers serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability within our criminal justice system. It is imperative that those in positions of authority are held to the highest standards of conduct and are held accountable for any misconduct or abuse of power. The victims of these alleged crimes deserve justice, and it is essential that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
