Former New Jersey correctional officer pleads with beating resident – NBC10 Philadelphia

Police officials said a former New Jersey Department of Corrections officer has pleaded guilty to assault charges after attacking a man in August 2019, who died of a stroke days after the incident.

According to Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the New Jersey Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, Giuseppe Mandara, 55, of Brick, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to his role in the assault of an Adult resident Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Specialty Care Unit, located in the Avenel neighborhood of Woodbridge, New Jersey.

In the Aug. 23, 2019, attack, Mandara attacked a man in the Sally Port area of ​​that treatment center’s West Housing Unit, according to court documents.

At that point, the victim had turned to leave Mandara and make his way to his assigned work station when, according to court documents, Mandara removed his duty belt – which included his keys and radio – and walked toward the victim continue verbal argument.

That altercation quickly became a physical altercation, and court documents say Mandara and the victim ended up on the ground, where Mandara repeatedly punched the victim — who officers did not name in an announcement Wednesday morning.

Officials said the victim in that attack died from complications of a stroke a few days after the incident.

In court, Mandara admitted that he intended to cause significant bodily harm to the victim and that his actions were excessive and unjustified.

“This conviction demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that those in positions of power do not abuse their authority or harm those in their custody,” Attorney General Platkin said in a statement. “Those in state custody have rights and are entitled to the protection of the law, and violators will be brought to justice.”

Officials said a state grand jury received evidence and heard testimony from the state medical examiner about the cause of the stroke and manner of death.

The grand jury did not issue a murder indictment in connection with the victim’s death.

“This admission of guilt makes clear that we will not ignore or tolerate mistreatment of individuals in federal custody,” said Drew Skinner, executive director of New Jersey’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. “The defendant violated his position of trust and will be held accountable.”

Under the terms of a plea agreement reached with the New Jersey Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, Mandara signed a consent order resigning from his public employment and barring him from any future public office or employment.

Mandara’s trial is scheduled for January 31, 2025.