Rockland Jail Officer Indicted After Allegedly Placing Substance in Fellow Officer’s Beverage

A Rockland County corrections officer has been indicted following an incident at the Rockland County Jail involving a fellow officer, in what prosecutors described as an act of workplace humiliation, harassment, and exploitation.

Russell Thorne, 63, of Greenwood Lake, who is employed as a corrections officer at the Rockland County Jail in New City, was arraigned after being indicted by a Rockland County Grand Jury on multiple charges, including attempted assault, official misconduct, prison contraband, obstructing governmental administration, and criminal tampering.

According to the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, the incident took place on February 17, 2026, while the victim was working her shift at the jail. Prosecutors allege that Thorne left his assigned post while on duty and tampered with the victim’s drink while she was away from it. The victim later discovered that something had been placed inside, prompting an investigation by the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.

Thorne was arrested that same day by members of the Sheriff’s Office. He later appeared before Rockland County Court Judge David Ascher and was released pending further proceedings.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh said in a statement,  “The safety and dignity of every employee in the workplace must be protected, no individual should ever have to endure violence, intimidation, humiliation or abuse while performing their duties. These allegations of criminal conduct are serious, and my office will pursue this matter fully and fairly through the judicial process. The alleged conduct is not a prank or poor judgement; it is an act of humiliation, violence and exploitation. This indictment reflects our commitment to ensuring accountability wherever workplace violence occurs, be it within our Correctional facilities or any other worksite.”