Former NJ Prison Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Violations

Ex-Corrections Officer Admits to Inaction During Inmate Assaults at New Jersey Facility

NEWARK, NJ – In a significant acknowledgment of failing to uphold the law within prison walls, Joshua Hand, a 34-year-old former corrections officer at Bayside State Prison in Leesburg, New Jersey, entered a guilty plea for depriving two inmates of their civil rights. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden, underscoring a grave breach of duty by an officer meant to safeguard inmate welfare.

During his tenure at Bayside State Prison in December 2019, Hand witnessed the assault of two inmates and failed to intervene or report the incidents, directly contravening his obligations to protect those in his charge from cruel and unusual punishment. The first incident involved a coordinated attack by multiple inmates on a victim who was lured into the officer’s quarters. Hand observed the assault, where the inmate was pinned down and beaten, without attempting to stop the violence or alerting authorities thereafter.

The second victim suffered an unprovoked attack the same day, assaulted with a broomstick by another corrections officer in Hand's presence. Despite having the opportunity to intervene, Hand chose inaction, again neglecting to report the abuse.

This breach of duty carries with it a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a significant fine, reflecting the severity of the offense. Hand's sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in holding law enforcement accountable for their actions and inactions within the prison system.

The case, led by the FBI Atlantic City Resident Agency and supported by the New Jersey Department of Corrections, highlights the critical need for vigilance and integrity among corrections staff, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights and safety of inmates. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger's office, through Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney, is managing the prosecution, demonstrating the federal government's commitment to civil rights and the rule of law.

This case not only underscores the legal and ethical obligations of corrections officers but also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold these duties, ensuring the justice system's integrity within and beyond prison walls.