2 Rockland Corrections Officers To Be Arraigned

Two Rockland County corrections officers, John Kezek and Christopher Taggart, will be arraigned this week on accusations that they sexually harassed female inmates.

They were indicted in late July.

"We can't allow a systemic issue of female minorities being mistreated in our jails," Rockland District Attorney Thomas Walsh said in a press release.

When the Sheriff’s Office was made aware of the allegations, both departmental and criminal investigations were commenced, departmental spokesman Chief William Barbera said in an announcement July 31. Both correction officers were subsequently suspended from duty.

As a result of the criminal investigation, Sheriff’s Office Detectives filed criminal charges against Taggart prior to a grand jury presentation, Barbera said. He is also accused of bringing alcohol into the jail.

Taggart will be arraigned in County Court Tuesday and Kezek will be arraigned Wednesday, said a spokeswoman for the Rockland County District Attorney.

The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office is committed to the safe care, custody and control of all persons remanded to the custody of the Sheriff and will work to root out those who dishonor their oaths as law enforcement officers, Barbera said.

Editor's Note: Christopher Taggart was charged with 2 counts of Promoting Prison Contraband in the First Degree and 21 counts of Official Misconduct. John Kezek was charged with 5 counts of Official Misconduct.