Kezek Arraigned On 5-Count Indictment

Rockland County Correction Officer John Kezek, accused of sexually harassing female minority inmates, was arraigned Wednesday on a 5-count indictment for official misconduct.

The misconduct took place in the Fall of 2019, prosecutors said. A second correction officer, Christopher Taggart, was arraigned Tuesday. SEE: Taggart Arraigned On 23-Count Indictment

"Females who are incarcerated are particularly vulnerable and the sexual harassment alleged in this case should be rebuked by all leaders of this County," Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said in a statement. "The Rockland County District Attorney’s office has information that there are other victims and urges that they come forward. We will utilize all the authority of our office to protect you and hold those responsible accountable. We urge all who have any information regarding this matter to please come forward. No woman, no matter their race, sexual orientation, or creed should be subject to inappropriate sexual conduct by those in positions of power.”

The Honorable Kevin F. Russo presided over the virtual arraignment, and Joel Cohen, Esq., of New York City, pleaded not guilty to the charges on Kezek's behalf.

The misconduct charges, all Class A Misdemeanors, are considered non-qualifying offenses for bail under last year’s bail reform, so Judge Russo released Kezek on his own recognizance with specified conditions.

The judge granted the DA's Office request for protective orders for the victims.

Kezek is due back in court Tuesday.

The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office asks anyone with any additional information to use the anonymous tip line by downloading the RocklandCODA Tip 411 app (available in the APP store or Google Play). You can also text the keyword ROCKLANDCODA to 847411, type in your tip information and hit send.