Monroe County Deputy Arrested for Felony Misconduct and Perjury

Monroe County, USA - In an escalating saga highlighting alleged misconduct within the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Detention Deputy Anthony Paniagua has found himself in hot water, facing serious felony charges of official misconduct and perjury. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has placed Paniagua on administrative leave without pay, pending a pre-termination hearing. This hopeful resolution follows an internal investigation concerning allegations of false statements and inaccurate record entries related to his timesheet. Paniagua has worked for the Sheriff’s Office since January 26, 2015, and the case has indeed stirred concern among residents. Sheriff Rick Ramsay pledged to keep the public informed while the investigation unfolds. As it stands, Paniagua’s future in the department appears uncertain, raising eyebrows about internal practices.

The scrutiny doesn’t end with Paniagua. Noteworthy is the case of Dominic Denaro, another deputy who was recently arraigned for alerting incarcerated individuals before cell searches, a breach that compromises safety and security. Denaro faces charges that include official misconduct and obstruction of governmental administration, both of which are class A misdemeanors. Ever since he was hired in January 2024, Denaro’s actions have put him in a tight corner, leading him to resign shortly after the investigation began.

Further Allegations within the Force

The ripple effects of these investigations stretch even further, with Deputy Dominic Kujawa also facing serious scrutiny. Kujawa is charged with aiding an incarcerated individual in an assault against another inmate and failing to intervene during the incident. Kujawa’s charges include assault in the second degree and official misconduct, both class A misdemeanors. His employment began in May 2023, but that short tenure may soon come to an end. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is moving towards termination in compliance with NYS Civil Service Law 75, demonstrating a firm stance against misconduct within its ranks.

These troubling incidents come amid a broader investigation initiated on December 20, 2024, that has shaken the Monroe County Jail to its core. Allegations of official misconduct and physical altercations led to an internal investigation, with the MCSO Criminal Investigation Section spearheading this thorough inquiry. They are collaborating with the NYS Commission of Corrections and the NYS Attorney General’s Office, underlining the seriousness of the situation. What happens next will certainly be of interest to all stakeholders.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

These cases spotlight a pressing issue: the responsibilities of law enforcement officers and the seriousness of accountability. According to the Department of Justice, law enforcement misconduct can manifest in various forms, including excessive force and false arrest. Their investigations cover a broad spectrum of allegations and highlight the necessity of upholding constitutional standards in law enforcement roles.

This concession to accountability is crucial because violations can lead to severe consequences, including federal charges. Under 18 U.S.C. § 242, willful deprivation of rights under color of law is a serious offense, particularly when it results in bodily injury or loss of life. The government must demonstrate intent to establish a violation, illustrating just how complicated these investigations can become.

The unfolding events within the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office serve as a reminder that integrity among law enforcement personnel is not just desirable but essential for public trust. As the investigations proceed, it will be interesting to see how the department addresses these significant challenges and what measures they implement to prevent future misconduct.