Barnstable County Corrections Officer Pleads Not Guilty

CAPE COD, MA — The deputy corrections officer at the center of an investigation into a potential inmate assault pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges stemming from the investigation.

Gregory Djaoen, 38, of New Bedford, Mass., pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which include assault, two charges of assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and intimidation of a witness.

Judge Lisa F. Edmonds has continued Djaoen’s criminal case until Aug. 6.

The charges stem from his role relating to the allegations of assaults on an inmate at the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department between May 25 and 26.

Troopers with the Massachusetts State Police Detectives Unit assigned to the DA's Office were notified of a possible assault at the Barnstable County Correctional Facility on June 2.

"Investigators were advised a former inmate reported being assaulted by Deputy Djaoen on May 25, 2024, and May 26, 2024. There is security video that assisted with the investigation," officials said.

The DA's Office has also requested that Djaoen's license to carry a firearm be immediately and indefinitely suspended.

Barnstable County Sheriff Donna Buckley was in attendance at the arraignment, where she spoke out against the alleged actions and didn't offer support for Djaoen.

“I condemn in the strongest language possible the acts of violence and intimidation that are alleged here today,” said Buckley.

“While the mission of the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office is corrections, rehabilitation and treatment, the foundation of that mission is keeping those in our custody – and our brave and dedicated staff – safe. That is our most solemn responsibility.”

Further, Buckley said although due process in the case must play out, internally the sheriff's office "saw enough to immediately remove Deputy Djaoen from the facility and to initiate a thorough and comprehensive investigation of the allegations."

She also committed to sharing the outcome of that investigation with the public.

The Sheriff's Office released a statement over the weekend, stating that the allegations "stand in stark contrast to the faithful service of the good men and women who so honorably represent the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office every day."

If proven true, the office said, Sheriff Donna Buckley will "have zero tolerance for such serious violations of the law."