CORRECTIONS CAPTAIN HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR THE ALLEGED
SEXUAL ABUSE OF A NINTH INMATE

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that Department of Correction (DOC) Captain Dominick Labruzzi has been arrested for allegedly abusing an inmate who was housed in the Adolescent Reception and Detention Center (ARDC), on Rikers Island last December.

Labruzzi, 30, of Rosedale Queens, was arrested last January on similar offenses, following an investigation by the Department of Investigation (DOI), and charged with abusing eight other inmates, ranging in age from sixteen to nineteen. In that case Labruzzi was arraigned on two counts of Endangering the welfare of a child, and ten counts each of Forcible touching, Sexual abuse in the 2nd and 3rd degrees and Harassment in the 2nd degree. Following his arrest, Labruzzi was removed from his assignment at ARDC, and placed on modified duty. Bail was set at 3,500 cash or bond.

With respect to the ninth inmate, Labruzzi is currently being charged with one count each of Sexual abuse in the 2nd degree and Forcible touching, both class "A" misdemeanors; and one count each of Sexual abuse in the 3rd degree and Harassment in the 2nd degree. It is alleged that the offenses occurred on or about December 24, 2005. If convicted of the most serious charges of sexual abuse in the 2nd and forcible touching, Labruzzi faces a maximum term of up to one year imprisonment on each count.

In this newer case, it is alleged that Labruzzi took an inmate, now twenty-three years of age, to a secluded locked area within ARDC and inappropriately touched and fondled his genitals and buttocks. The defendant then allegedly instructed the inmate to remain quiet about the incident or face harsh consequences.

Mr. Johnson thanked Rose Gill Hearn, Commissioner of the Department of Investigation, along with her staff for bringing this case to our attention. Mr. Johnson also thanked Correction Captain Vincent Valerio and Correction Officer Investigators Albert Jones and Rhonda Young for building a case against Labruzzi.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Militano of the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Division.