Second Rockland County corrections office arraigned on official misconduct charges

NEW ROCKLAND – The Rockland County grand jury has indicted the second of two county jail corrections officers on charges related to behavior directed at female inmates.

John Kezek, 35, of the Village of Florida, was charged with five counts of official misconduct.

He was released on his own recognizance and orders of protection were granted in favor of the victims in the case.

“The behavior in this matter and as will be shown at trial is reprehensible and cannot be tolerated in any civil society,” said District Attorney Tom Walsh. “Females who are incarcerated are particularly vulnerable and the sexual harassment alleged in this case should be rebuked by all leaders in this county.”

The other Rockland corrections officer in the case, Christopher Taggert, 39, of New City, was indicted on 23 charges including two counts of promoting prison contraband and 21 counts of official misconduct.

Hank Gross

Hank Gross is the founder of Mid-Hudson News and a veteran journalist with over five decades of experience covering the Hudson Valley. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta, where he began his career in broadcasting, Hank has worked across radio, TV, and print media since 1970. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including an Associated Press “Best Newscast” award and recognition as a “Pillar of the Community” by the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. He lives in Middletown with his wife, Virginia.