New Jersey Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Assault of Treatment Center Resident

Prosecutors Recommend Four-Year Prison Sentence; Sentencing Set for January 2025

In a case that has drawn attention to the conduct of correctional officers within New Jersey's prison system, a New Jersey Department of Corrections police officer has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault against a resident of the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC), Special Treatment Unit (STU) in Avenel, Woodbridge.

During a plea hearing on December 3, 2024, Giuseppe Mandara, 55, of Brick, New Jersey, admitted to attempting to cause significant bodily injury to the victim, whose identity has not been disclosed. Mandara pleaded guilty to third-degree aggravated assault before State Superior Court Judge Thomas K. Isenhour in Union County.

Details of the Incident

The assault occurred on August 23, 2019, inside the Sally Port area of the West Housing Unit in the STU. According to court documents and Mandara's own admission, the incident began with an earlier verbal dispute between Mandara and the resident. As the victim was walking away to his assigned work location, Mandara removed his duty belt—which included facility keys and a radio—and advanced toward the victim to continue the confrontation.

The encounter escalated into a physical altercation within the Sally Port. Both men ended up on the ground, where Mandara repeatedly punched the victim. In court, Mandara acknowledged that his actions were excessive, without justification, and carried out with the intent to cause significant bodily injury.

Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

Several days following the assault, the victim suffered a fatal stroke. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), a state grand jury reviewed evidence and heard testimony from the state medical examiner regarding the cause of death. Ultimately, the grand jury decided not to initiate homicide charges in connection with the victim's death.

Under the terms of a plea agreement with the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), Mandara has entered a consent order forfeiting his public employment and is barred from holding any future public office or employment in New Jersey. Prosecutors have recommended that Mandara serve a four-year sentence in state prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 31, 2025.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the OPIA announced the guilty plea, emphasizing the state's commitment to holding public officials accountable for misconduct.

“Under the Independent Prosecutor Law, my office has the responsibility to investigate and prosecute incidents of death or harm that take place in law enforcement custody. This conviction demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that those in positions of power do not abuse their authority or harm those in their custody,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Those in state custody have rights and are entitled to the protections of the law, and violators will face justice.”

Deputy Attorneys General Amy Knutsen and Peter Choy prosecuted the case under the supervision of OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher. The OPIA, established to investigate and prosecute crimes involving public corruption and abuse of office, played a pivotal role in bringing the case to resolution.

“This guilty plea makes clear that we will not ignore or condone abuses of individuals who are in state custody,” said Drew Skinner, Executive Director of OPIA. “The defendant violated the trusted position he held and will be held accountable.”

Background on the Special Treatment Unit

The ADTC's Special Treatment Unit is a facility designated for the treatment of certain offenders. It is operated by the New Jersey Department of Corrections and is located in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township. The STU focuses on providing specialized treatment programs, and residents are often involved in work assignments within the facility.

The case has raised questions about the safety and oversight within correctional facilities, particularly those housing vulnerable populations requiring specialized treatment. While officials have not released statements beyond the official announcements, the incident underscores the importance of proper conduct among correctional staff.

Legal analysts note that the forfeiture of Mandara's public employment and the prohibition from future public service sends a strong message about the consequences of abuse of power. The recommended four-year prison sentence reflects the severity of the offense and the state's stance on such misconduct.

As Mandara awaits sentencing in January 2025, the case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to law enforcement and correctional officers. The outcome may prompt reviews of protocols and training within the Department of Corrections to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The OPIA continues its work in overseeing integrity within public offices, ensuring that those who serve the community are held to the highest standards of conduct.

While the victim's identity remains confidential, support services are often available for families affected by such incidents. Advocacy groups frequently call for increased transparency and reforms to protect residents and staff within correctional facilities.

Members of the public interested in the proceedings can access court records for more detailed information, adhering to the guidelines set forth for public documents.

The guilty plea by former corrections officer Giuseppe Mandara marks a significant development in a case that highlights issues of accountability and integrity within the corrections system. As the state moves toward sentencing, the focus remains on justice for the victim and the reinforcement of ethical standards among those entrusted with public safety.