New Jersey police officer filmed woman in jail engaging in sexual activity, authorities report.

In South Jersey, a police officer has been charged with serious offenses related to the unauthorized recording of a woman while she was undressed in a holding cell. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Monday that Ryan Bonanni, a 24-year-old officer from the Ventnor City Police Department, allegedly filmed multiple instances of the woman, identified only as “B.W.,” during her time in custody.

The incident reportedly occurred on July 6, when B.W. was booked into the holding cell following her arrest by other officers of the Ventnor City Police Department. While Bonanni was a member of the department, he was not involved in B.W.’s arrest. Instead, he accessed surveillance footage that captured the woman at various stages of undress and engaging in a sexual act. It is alleged that Bonanni used his personal cellphone to record clips of the surveillance footage and subsequently shared them with friends via Snapchat.

As a result of his actions, Bonanni faces a range of charges including second-degree official misconduct, second-degree computer theft, and three counts of third-degree invasion of privacy. The severity of these charges underscores the violation of ethical standards expected from law enforcement officers, who are sworn to protect the rights and dignity of individuals in their custody.

Chief Joseph Wooton of the Ventnor City Police Department acknowledged the negative impact of the charges on the department’s reputation but emphasized that they do not reflect the overall conduct of the police force. He expressed confidence in the integrity of many officers serving in the department.

The department became aware of Bonanni’s misconduct on July 7, prompting immediate action that resulted in his suspension. The incident has raised concerns regarding privacy rights and the responsibilities of law enforcement, further highlighting the need for accountability within policing institutions.

Ventnor City, situated just south of Atlantic City along the Jersey Shore, is now grappling with the implications of this case as it unfolds. The actions of Bonanni have prompted discussions about the appropriate handling of sensitive situations and the protections afforded to individuals in custody. The community, alongside police officials, is now faced with the task of restoring trust following this troubling incident.