TRENTON, NJ – A state grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against corrections officers involved in a January 2021 incident at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women. The indictment, announced by the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), includes additional charges against Sgt. Matthew Faschan, 35, of Hackettstown, NJ.
The indictment, dated November 17, adds counts of conspiracy, official misconduct, tampering with public records, and aggravated assault. Previously, in September 2022, 14 other officers were charged in connection with the incident.
The allegations state that inmates were forcibly removed from cells without justification, leading to serious injuries for two victims. The indicted officers, including four sergeants, one lieutenant, one major, and an associate administrator, face charges of conspiracy, official misconduct, and other related offenses.
The incident, involving forced cell extractions at the facility in Union Township, Hunterdon County, reportedly occurred amid tensions related to inmates’ misconduct. The indictment alleges the officers planned and executed these extractions in violation of Department of Corrections policies, with the intent of intimidating or terrorizing the inmates.
Faschan, who was previously charged in February 2021, allegedly failed to record certain extractions, intervene in the use of force, and filed a misleading report. All 15 indicted officers are currently suspended without pay.
