Ex-NJ Corrections Officer Admits Breaking Teen's Wrist In Guilty Plea

TRENTON, NJ — A former correctional police officer with the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission pleaded guilty on Wednesday to using unjustified force to break the wrist of a 16-year-old resident at a juvenile security facility in Bordentown, Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement.

Lt. Edward Day, 52, of Paulsboro, pleaded guilty to third-degree aggravated assault in Burlington County court. Under the plea agreement, the state of New Jersey will recommend Day be sentenced to probation, conditional upon him serving up to 364 days in county jail, Platkin said.

On Oct. 25, 2020, Day and other correctional police officers were escorting a 16-year-old male resident from his room to another location within the facility. According to the attorney general's office, the teen's arms were handcuffed behind his back when Day, without apparent cause or justification, grabbed the boy's ankle from behind, pulled his leg back, and pushed him face-forward to the ground.

Day then grabbed the teen's handcuffed wrists, twisting and breaking one of them, Platkin said.

"This guilty plea reflects our resolve to hold law enforcement officers accountable if they use unjustified and excessive force against civilians," Platkin said in a statement. "No one is above the law, and all people are entitled to the law’s protections, including those in state custody."

Sentencing is scheduled for April 13.

Day's plea agreement also requires him to give up his state position; however, he is already considered an inactive employee with the state pending retirement, according to the attorney general's office. He also will be permanently barred from public office or employment.