October 17, 2003
Hopewell,
NJ — In a decision handed-down late Tuesday afternoon, Hopewell Municipal
Court Judge Bonnie Goldman found Mercer County Corrections Officer Angelo
Miranda guilty of assaulting an inmate at the Mercer County Corrections Center.
According
to court records, Miranda, age 43, of Andrew Street in Hamilton, was involved in
an altercation with an inmate on A-Pod of the facility.
Trial testimony revealed that Miranda and the inmate, Shannon Wright,
exchanged words concerning Wright’s attire and his ability to enter the A-Pod
day area. After words were
exchanged, a physical struggle ensued. Wright
was then fully restrained in handcuffs and leg shackles when Miranda slammed
Wright’s head into the floor several times.
Lieutenant of Corrections Richard Bearden observed Miranda’s actions
and forcibly removed him from the inmate.
As
a result of the incident, Wright sustained a variety of injuries to his head and
face.
Miranda
was convicted of simple assault, a disorderly persons offense, and sentenced to
pay a $200 fine, $30 court costs, $50 violent crimes penalty and $75 safe
streets funds assessment. Miranda
must also forfeit his employment as a corrections officer.
Assistant
Prosecutor John Jingoli of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office presented the
State’s case.
Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph L. Bocchini Jr. stated that his office “would take an aggressive approach against officers, in the appropriate forum, who cross the line by using excessive force on arrestees and prisoners.”