Mineola, NY – A former Nassau County probation officer has pleaded guilty to charges that he falsified records and carried on a sexual relationship with a woman under his supervision, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Matthew Albertson, 43, of Smithtown, entered guilty pleas before Judge Robert Bogle to offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, a felony, and official misconduct, a misdemeanor. He is expected to receive a sentence capped at six months in jail and five years of probation when he returns to court on November 14. Prosecutors had recommended a sentence of one to three years in prison.
District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said Albertson’s actions represented “an abhorrent abuse of power” that undermined trust in Nassau County’s justice system.
According to investigators, Albertson began a sexual relationship with a female probationer in late 2021 that lasted into early 2022, including during a home visit. He also gave the woman thousands of dollars for personal expenses, entered into a vehicle purchase agreement with her family, and failed to provide medical help when she reported a possible fentanyl overdose, instead instructing her by text to “stay awake” and “eat sugar.”
Between January 2022 and August 2023, Albertson allegedly falsified probation records on at least nine occasions. He reported drug tests, office visits, and check-ins that never occurred, prosecutors said. Despite evidence of drug use, he filed notes stating the probationer was “doing well.”
Albertson surrendered to Nassau County investigators in September 2024.
Key Points
- Former probation officer Matthew Albertson pleaded guilty to falsifying records and misconduct involving a probationer.
- Prosecutors said he had a sexual relationship with the woman, gave her money, and ignored signs of drug use.
- He faces up to six months in jail and five years of probation when sentenced in November.
A case meant to enforce accountability now ends with the enforcer held accountable himself.
