On 4/29/2024, Sheriff Derek R. Osborne charged Mark A. Vanderhoof of Union Springs, New York with Official Misconduct, a Class A Misdemeanor and Harassment 2nd, a Violation. Vanderhoof was processed and arraigned in CAP Court on 4/29/24 at 8:30 PM. He was released on his own recognizance.
It is alleged that on 4/26/24, at about 12:35 PM, Vanderhoof forcefully struck an incarcerated individual housed in the Corrections Division in the back of the head and face with an open hand as the individual was seated at a table within their housing unit. The physical force utilized was deemed to be unjustified and contrary to office policy and Article 35 of the New York State Penal Law that dictates when force is authorized to be used by corrections officers.
At the time of the incident, Vanderhoof was a probationary Corrections Officer for the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office had just hired Vanderhoof as a lateral transfer applicant from the NYS Department of Corrections two weeks prior to the alleged incident. Vanderhoof was working alongside a field training officer and was immediately terminated. The findings of the investigation and the termination for cause were immediately reported to the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the NYS Attorney General Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office.
The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to providing fair, equitable, humane and restorative services to the incarcerated population housed at the Tompkins County Jail. Behavior contrary to these standards is not tolerated.
Disclaimer: An indictment, like any criminal charge, is solely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
