BY BILL MASON. STAFF WRITER
Copyright 2006 Newsday, Inc.
A Rikers Island Correction Department captain was arrested yesterday and charged again with sexually abusing an inmate. But unlike in eight other cases in which he allegedly abused teenagers, authorities said this latest inmate victim is in his 20s.
Capt. Dominick Labruzzi, 30, of Rosedale was charged yesterday with sexual abuse in the second degree and forcible touching, sexual abuse in the third degree, and harassment in the second degree.
In this latest incident, which occurred around last Dec. 24, Labruzzi is alleged to have taken an inmate, who is now 23, to a secluded locker in a detention center on Rikers Island, where he inappropriately touched and fondled the inmate, according to a news release from Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson. Labruzzi then allegedly instructed the inmate to remain quiet about the incident or face harsh consequences.
Labruzzi was previously arrested in January on similar offenses. He was charged then with abusing eight inmates, ranging in age from 16 to 19, who also were housed on Rikers Island. He was arraigned at the time on two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and 10 counts of forcible touching, sexual abuse in the second and third degrees, and harassment in the second degree.
The earlier cases are still pending.
After his earlier arrest, Labruzzi was placed on modified duty.