Six New Jersey law enforcement officials have been indicted for lying about the assault of an inmate at a youth correctional facility over four years ago, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Wednesday.
The six defendants — five senior correctional officers and one sergeant — are accused of filing false reports regarding an incident that took place on April 8, 2020 at the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility in Burlington County.
The six men participated directly or indirectly in the “forced cell extraction” of a young male inmate, which included the use of pepper spray, even though the victim apparently hadn’t refused to comply with any orders.
According to the complaint, the victim “screamed in pain and had to be given an inhaler and oxygen in the infirmary.”
The six men also lied when reporting the incident to give the false impression that the use of force had been justified, according to documents filed in court.
In one or more reports associated with the extraction, the defendants said Sgt. Michael Emmert pepper-sprayed the victim after he refused to comply with orders to exit the cell peacefully, the indictment alleges.
However, the complaint alleges the victim even offered and extended his hands to be handcuffed.
The six men indicted on official misconduct and related charges are 40-year-old Emmett and five senior correctional officers: Christopher Toth, 40, Mark Sadlowski, Jr., 46, Raymond Quinones, 50, Michael Gaines, 58, and Michael Ambrozaitis, 60.
Emmett and Toth, who are accused of engaging in excessive force against the victim, face an additional charge of aggravated assault.
All six defendants were previously charged by complaint-summons in May 2022.
“New Jersey correctional officers work under trying circumstances and do essential work in the criminal justice system and in maintaining public safety,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The alleged conduct of the officers indicted in this case gives discredit to every correctional officer who performs their duties with integrity. The mistreatment of young adults in the State’s care will not be tolerated and no one is above the law.”
Their indictment comes just days after two Juvenile Justice Commission senior corrections officers were charged with sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman housed at a juvenile female detention center in Burlington County.