MONMOUTH COUNTY, N.J. — A New Jersey corrections officer was sentenced to two years probation after having sexual contact with an inmate, who happened to be his former girlfriend, in a jail bathroom, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors argued that Thomas J. Mauro should serve 180 days in jail. However, a judge decided on probation. If Mauro violates the terms of the probation, which include maintaining full-time employment, obtaining substance abuse and mental health counseling and attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, he will serve the jail time.
Thomas J. Mauro, of Beachwood, was sentenced to 2-years probation after admitting he engaged in sexual contact with an inmate at the Monmouth County jail last year. Mauro was previously ordered to permanently forfeit his ability to hold public office. https://t.co/VJg2zT5JSA
— Monmouth County Prosecutor (@MonCoProsecutor) July 28, 2020
Mauro, who had worked 13 years as a corrections officer, was also ordered to forfeit his job, which paid $106,000 a year, and is prohibited from public office in the future, NJ.com reported. Mauro pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual contact in May.
Prosecutors said a 31-year-old woman walked into a jail bathroom April 27, 2019, that is reserved for corrections employees. Moments later, Mauro walked into the same bathroom. The couple engaged in sexual contact before separately leaving the bathroom.
Investigators found out that Mauro and the woman had a relationship in 2013 when she was not a prisoner at the facility.
“Regardless of any prior relationship, such sexual contact is prohibited by law,” prosecutors said. “A correction officer’s power and authority over an inmate invalidates any possible consent that an inmate could provide.”
Cox Media Group
