Bordentown, NJ – Two senior Juvenile Justice Commission Senior Corrections Officers have been charged with sexually assaulting a female resident at Juvenile Female Secure Care and Intake Facility in Bordentown. The allegations have sparked outrage and prompted a swift response from state authorities.
Two Corrections Officers Accused of Sexually Abusing Juvenile Female Inmate
Gary Nieves, 53, of Burlington City, faces multiple charges including four counts of second-degree sexual assault, fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, third-degree witness tampering, and second-degree official misconduct.
William Young, 35, of Marlton, has been charged with second-degree sexual assault, fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, and second-degree official misconduct.
Serious Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Two Corrections Officers
The complaint alleges that on August 14, 2024, staff members at the Female Secure Care and Intake Facility, known as the Hayes Unit, received information about two senior corrections officers engaging in repeated unlawful sexual contact with a resident. The victim later confirmed these allegations against both Nieves and Young.
The alleged incidents took place in various locations within the secure facility, including shared spaces and the victim’s living quarters. Both officers are accused of engaging in various forms of sexual contact and assault, including penetration, on numerous occasions while acting in their capacity as senior corrections officers.
Official Response to Alleged Sexual Assault of Young Female Inmate
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated, “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.”
J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, 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.”
Potential Consequences
If convicted, both Nieves and Young could face up to 10 years in New Jersey state prison for each sexual assault and official misconduct count.
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under investigation. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information relevant to the State’s allegations to contact Lieutenant Garrett Brown at (609) 273-8631.
The charges against the defendants are accusations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Navigating Legal Rights for Victims of Correctional Facility Abuse
In the aftermath of the shocking allegations against two New Jersey corrections officers, many are left wondering about the legal options available to victims of abuse within correctional facilities. To address these concerns, we spoke with Stewart Ryan, an experienced attorney specializing in cases involving sexual abuse in institutional settings. Ryan offers valuable information on the legal pathways open to those who have suffered abuse at the hands of those entrusted with their care and supervision. His insights provide a roadmap for victims seeking to hold both individual perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. In this interview, Ryan breaks down the complex legal landscape, discussing everything from federal civil rights lawsuits to the challenges unique to cases involving correctional facilities.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: What legal options do inmates have when they’ve been sexually abused by corrections officers?
Stewart Ryan, Esq.: Inmates who have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of corrections officers have several legal avenues available to them. They can file federal civil rights lawsuits under Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, which allows individuals to sue state actors for constitutional violations. In this case, sexual abuse would be considered a violation of the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
Banville: Are there any specific challenges inmates face when pursuing these cases?
Ryan: Yes, there are unique hurdles. Laws often require inmates to exhaust all administrative remedies within the prison system before filing a lawsuit. This can be particularly difficult in cases of sexual abuse, where the victim may fear retaliation. Additionally, there’s often a “code of silence” among prison staff, making it challenging to gather evidence.
Banville: How can inmates hold the correctional facility itself accountable?
Ryan: Inmates can potentially hold the facility accountable through claims of negligent hiring, supervision, or retention of abusive staff. If it can be shown that the facility knew or should have known about an officer’s propensity for abuse and failed to take appropriate action, they may be held liable. Systemic failures in training, policies, or procedures can also form the basis for institutional liability.
Banville: What advice would you give to inmates who have experienced such abuse?
Ryan: My primary advice would be to report the abuse as soon as possible, both within the prison system and to outside authorities if possible. Document everything, including dates, times, and any physical evidence. Seek medical attention, as this creates a record of injuries. And most importantly, reach out to an experienced attorney who can navigate the complex legal landscape of prisoner rights and sexual abuse cases.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or a loved one has experienced abuse in a correctional facility, remember that you are not alone. There are legal avenues available to help you seek accountability and compensation. Our team is here to support you through this challenging journey. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate your options with compassion and expertise. Your voice matters, and together we can work toward achieving the justice you deserve.
Source:
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
