(March 25, 2025) The ongoing investigation resulted in a second jail deputy's arraignment in Monroe County Court on March 25, 2025. Dominic Denaro is accused of alerting incarcerated individuals prior to cell searches, compromising the safety and security of incarcerated individuals and all jail staff.

Dominic S. Denaro, is charged with:

  • Official Misconduct (Class A-Misdemeanor)
  • Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class A-Misdemeanor)

Denaro, hired in January 2024, was arraigned in Monroe County Court and released. He submitted his resignation shortly after the investigation began. With investigations ongoing, three deputies remain suspended, this includes Mr. Kujawa (charged 3/21/2025).

                                                                                                         

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(Released on March 21,2025) On December 20, 2024, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office informed the public of an investigation into allegations of official misconduct inside the Monroe County Jail. Immediate internal and criminal investigations were initiated. Our Criminal Investigation Section interviewed incarcerated individuals and deputies, as well as reviewed jail surveillance video.

At the appropriate point in the investigation, we involved the Monroe County District Attorney’s office. The DA’s office presented this matter to a grand jury, which led to the indictment and arraignment of a jail deputy. Dominic Kujawa is accused of enabling an incarcerated individual to assault another and failing to intervene.

Dominic W. Kujawa, is charged with:

  • Assault in the Second Degree (Class D-Felony)
  • Official Misconduct (Class A-Misdemeanor)

 Kujawa, employed since May 2023, was arraigned in Monroe County Court and released. The Sheriff’s office is moving towards termination in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law 75 and the controlling collective bargaining agreement.

 Furthermore, two other deputies remain suspended, and another resigned amidst the ongoing investigations.

“The willingness of an incarcerated individual to confide in the Major during his routine rounds is indicative of the jail’s culture,” said Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “As soon as this grievance was brought to our attention, we took immediate action, opening criminal and internal investigations and involving the District Attorney’s Office when appropriate. Any misconduct displayed by rogue employees will never be tolerated in the Sheriff’s Office.”

As the investigation continues, the Monroe County Sheriff’s office will continue to work with the NYS Commission of Corrections, the NYS Attorney General’s Office and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.

 Original Release:

Rochester, NY (December 20, 2024) - Based upon information developed by members of the Command Staff at the Monroe County Jail, the Sheriff’s Office is investigating allegations of official misconduct and reports of physical altercations between incarcerated individuals, within the confines of MCJ. Individuals identified as potentially being involved have been isolated during the course of the investigation to ensure the safety of everyone inside MCJ and the security of the facility. The MCSO Criminal Investigation Section is leading the investigation. Additionally, MCSO notified the NYS Commission of Corrections and the NYS Attorney General’s Office. We are also in consultation with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office and are conducting a separate Internal Affairs investigation into these allegations. More information will be released upon completion of the ongoing investigations.

 Amy Young
Communications Director
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4518

Deputy Brendan Hurley
Public Information Officer
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4840