FREEHOLD, N.J. — A Monmouth County corrections officer has been charged in connection with an attack on a couple inside an Atlantic City casino, an incident captured on video and widely circulated online, officials said Tuesday.
The officer, identified as Keila Diaz, was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation, according to Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden. Authorities have not provided a motive for the assault, which took place in an unidentified casino.
The video, which surfaced on social media, reportedly shows Diaz confronting and assaulting the couple for reasons that remain unclear.
Golden, in a statement released Tuesday, emphasized that Diaz’s alleged actions do not reflect the standards expected of law enforcement personnel.
“This type of behavior is inexcusable from anyone, but, particularly from a member of law enforcement, who at all times, on or off duty, should exhibit the highest level of professionalism, with honor and integrity,” he said.
The criminal investigation into the incident is ongoing. No further details regarding the couple’s condition or the specific charges against Diaz were available as of Tuesday.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED:
County officials have not yet released a statement regarding this week’s pizza box brawl at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City. A woman who was arrested during that brawl after knocking a woman out with a pizza box has been identified as a Monmouth County Correctional Officer.
A couple was arrested early Sunday morning following an alleged assault on another couple at the Quarter at Tropicana, according to the Atlantic City Police Department.
Officers Jose Zamorano and Moustafa Maarouf responded to reports of a physical altercation involving several individuals at approximately 2:56 a.m. on September 15. Upon investigation, Damian Pineyro, 35, and Keila Diaz, 47, were taken into custody.
According to records, Diaz works for the Monmouth County Jail. Diaz graduated from the Monmouth County Corrections Officer course in 2014 and earns approximately $64,000 per year. Diaz was captured in the video wearing hip boots and a short skirt, armed with a box of pizza. After slamming the victim with the box, sending pizza flying through the Tropicana Hotel galleria, she and her boyfriend allegedly beat the woman until she was knocked unconscious.
Police allege that Pineyro harassed the victims before punching the female victim in the face.
After she fell, Pineyro reportedly assaulted the male victim and brandished a knife, though no contact was made. Diaz is accused of kicking and punching the female victim, who lost consciousness during the attack. She was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Pineyro has been charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and terroristic threats. Diaz faces charges of aggravated assault and simple assault.
Both were released on a summons and are scheduled for a future court appearance.
At this time, the Monmouth County has not said whether or not Diaz has been placed on suspension for her part in the violent attack.
