TRENTON, N.J. — Two senior corrections officers with the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission have been charged with sexual assault and official misconduct following allegations that they engaged in unlawful sexual contact with a female resident at the Female Secure Care and Intake Facility in Bordentown. The charges were announced on October 29 by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ).
Gary Nieves, 53, of Burlington City, and William Young, 35, of Marlton, were charged after a DCJ investigation revealed that they allegedly had repeated sexual contact with a resident at the facility, commonly referred to as the Hayes Unit. The allegations came to light on August 14, 2024, when Juvenile Justice Commission staff received information regarding the officers’ conduct. The victim later confirmed the allegations, stating that the assaults occurred in multiple locations within the secure care facility, including shared spaces and her living quarters.
Nieves 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. Young has been charged with one count of second-degree sexual assault, fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, and second-degree official misconduct.
Attorney General Platkin condemned the alleged abuses of power, stating, “We will not tolerate people in positions of power using their authority to abuse those in their care. The allegations facing these officers warrant serious consequences.” Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, J. Stephen Ferketic, added that the DCJ is committed to holding accountable those who exploit positions of trust.
If convicted, Nieves and Young each face up to 10 years in New Jersey state prison for each count of sexual assault and official misconduct. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Nicole Siano, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Laura Magnone and DCJ Deputy Director Jillian Carpenter. The investigation received support from the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.
Both officers are awaiting trial, and no further details on their employment status have been released.
