Two Juvenile Corrections Officers Charged with Sexual Assault and Misconduct

Senior officers at the Female Secure Care and Intake Facility face charges following allegations of repeated unlawful sexual contact with a resident.

BORDENTOWN, N.J. — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) have filed charges against two senior corrections officers with the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct involving a female resident. Gary Nieves, 53, of Burlington City, and William Young, 35, of Marlton, were charged after an investigation into allegations of repeated sexual contact and assault on the resident within the Bordentown-based Female Secure Care and Intake Facility, known as the Hayes Unit.

“We will not tolerate people in positions of power using their authority to abuse those in their care. The allegations facing these officers, that they preyed on a young person who was in their custody, warrant serious consequences,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “I am grateful for the thorough and swift work of the Division of Criminal Justice, with investigative support from the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, undertaken in this case.”

According to the criminal complaint, staff members at the facility were alerted to potential misconduct on August 14, 2024. The victim later confirmed that both Nieves and Young had engaged in multiple acts of sexual contact and assault, including penetration, in various parts of the secure facility, such as shared areas and her living quarters. Nieves faces four counts of sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, witness tampering, and official misconduct, while Young is charged with sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, and official misconduct.

“I am grateful to the team of DCJ detectives and prosecutors who swiftly and diligently investigated this deeply troubling conduct,” said J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “The Division of Criminal Justice will stop at nothing to hold those accountable who use positions of trust to prey on those that they are charged to protect.”

If convicted, Nieves and Young could face up to 10 years in prison for each count of sexual assault and official misconduct. The charges remain accusations at this stage, and both officers are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Deputy Attorney General Nicole Siano is prosecuting the case under the DCJ, with oversight by Bureau Chief Laura Magnone. The Attorney General also credited the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability for their investigative work. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials encourage anyone with additional information to contact Lieutenant Garrett Brown at (609) 273-8631.