NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A former Bayside State Prison corrections officer pleaded guilty Monday to depriving two inmates of their civil rights.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of New Jersey, 34-year-old Joshua Hand of Millville failed to intervene when the inmates were being assaulted in December 2019.
They say Hand was inside the officers’ quarters in the kitchen area of the prison when the first victim was called to that room. After entering, the exit door was quickly blocked and the inmate was restrained, pinned to the floor, and assaulted by several inmates in front of Hand.
Investigators say Hand did nothing to intervene and never reported the incident.
That same day, Hand stood within arms reach as another corrections officer struck a different inmate’s legs multiple times with a broomstick.
Hand did not report this assault to his supervisors or medical personnel, despite being required to do so.
He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000
Sentencing is scheduled for July 2.