Albany County corrections officer suspended following assault charge

An Albany County corrections officer is off the job, following an assault charge.

The woman who filed the charge says she was afraid for her life, and the life of her child.

The latest incident described in court documents may seem minor, but as you read the alleged victim’s description of her relationship with the corrections officer, Justin Danko, it’s volatile, to say the least.

According to the alleged victim, Danko’s drinking and physical abuse has escalated over the three years they have been together.

In this incident, he allegedly hit her in the head repeatedly with a hard pillow, causing her to become disoriented.

As the narrative goes on,it becomes more disturbing. She said, “He told me he knows how to hit me so that it won’t leave marks.”

When the alleged victim was asked questions by police like:

“Has the suspect ever: threatened to kill you or your children?” she said yes.
“Has the suspect ever strangled or “choked” you?” she said yes.
And, “Has the physical violence increased over the last six months?” Again, the answer was yes.

Danko’s boss, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple, said the accused didn’t raise any red flags on the job, but “this is something that happened off duty and in their private residence. Still, it’s just foolish that it went on,” Sheriff Apple said.

The accuser asked for and received a temporary restraining order.

Sheriff Apple said Danko has been off the job since the end of August without pay.

He will not be back until the investigation is complete, and all of Danko’s weapons have been taken from the home.