NJ Corrections Officer Assaulted Inmate, Framed Him To Cover It Up: AG

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC) Officer is accused of falsely accusing an inmate of having a weapon, assaulting said inmate and then filing false reports to cover up his attack, according to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office.

Daniel Petoia, 34, of Manahawkin, was indicted on a dozen counts including charges of filing false reports, aggravated assault and official misconduct.

On Dec. 20, 2024, Petoia had a sharpened metal object, which he lied about belonging to the inmate before assaulting him repeatedly for no reason, authorities said.

Petoia struck the inmate in the head several times and when he fell to the ground, continued to beat him, authorities said.

Following the assault, Petoia filed official reports that falsely accused the inmate of weapon possession to cover up the assault, officials said. But other evidence collected in the investigation found that he was lying, officials said.

“It is critical that corrections officers adhere to the law while performing their difficult, essential work in our criminal justice system,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. “The State cannot and will not look the other way when incarcerated individuals are assaulted without justification by those who should be upholding and enforcing the law.”

Petoia was charged with:

• Two counts of official misconduct
• Aggravated assault
• Unlawful possession of a weapon
• Three counts of tampering with public records or information
• Three counts of falsifying or tampering with records
• Making false reports to law enforcement authorities
• Tampering with physical evidence