Former Corrections Officer Faces New Charges: Rockland DA

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — A former county corrections officer faces new charges in an ongoing investigation into criminal activity at the Rockland County jail.

On Thursday, Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh announced an additional felony indictment of John Kezek, 35, a former Orange County resident who now lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, was was handed down by a Rockland County Grand Jury late last week.

Kezek, 35, was indicted on Criminal Sexual Act 1st (B felony), Criminal Sexual Act 3rd (E felony) and Official Misconduct (misdemeanor). The charges were based on allegations made by a female victim who came into contact with Kezek while working in his official capacity.

"The latest indictments of Mr. Kezek reveal an evil course of conduct, leaving the victims to put their lives back together," Walsh said. "My office will continue to pursue justice for the victims of sexual crimes. Rockland will not tolerate this horrific behavior. I would like to personally thank Rockland County Sheriff Lou Falco for his assistance in this investigation."

Kezek was accused in July of sexually harassing female inmates at the county jail. A grand jury added 78 charges in September, related to making false entries in jail records regarding his daily activity.

Due to the nature of the crimes and to protect the identity of the victim, very limited information can be released, prosecutors said.

Kesek turned himself into the DA's office on the new charges.

He was arraigned Thursday afternoon in a virtual Rockland County Court appearance before the Honorable David S. Zuckerman. The judge set bail, one of the alternatives being $100,000. Kezek was remanded to County Jail and will return to court on June 17.

"We are relieved that the judge set bail in light of the seriousness of the accused crimes. The residents of Rockland County should know that the men and women of the Rockland County Corrections Division of the County Jail are true professionals. The actions of this individual in no way reflect the values and dedication shown every day by those officers," Walsh said.

Kezek has been suspended from duty without pay since his arrest in July 2020.

"When the Sheriff’s Office was made aware of these allegations, an internal investigation was commenced, and the criminal allegations were referred to the District Attorney’s Office fori nvestigation," Sheriff Louis Falco said in a statement. "The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office is committed to the safety of all persons and the Sheriff will work to root out those who dishonor their oaths as law enforcement officers. Members of the Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with the District Attorney’s Office so that this case may be brought to a successful conclusion."

The case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Devlin.

Walsh asked that anyone who may have been a victim, a witness, or anyone who has information about these incidents send an anonymous tip by downloading the RocklandCO DA
Tip 411 app (available in the APP store or Google Play) or contact local law enforcement. You can also text the keyword ROCKLANDCODA to 847411, type in your tip information and hit send.

SEE ALSO:

• Kezek Arraigned On 5-Count Indictment
• Taggart Arraigned On 23-Count Indictment
• 2 Rockland Corrections Officers To Be Arraigned
• Rockland Corrections Officer Faces More Charges