Correction officer found guilty of beating ex-wife in Moreau
A correction officer at Warren County Jail was found guilty on Tuesday for numerous incidents of domestic violence against his ex-wife at their Moreau home.
Stephen A. Frank, 47, was found guilty of physically abusing the victim, which prosecutors said often occurred in front of their two children.
The victim testified during a week-long trial and described several years of verbal and physical abuse. There were dozens of photographs displayed during the trial showing extensive injuries to her face, arms, chest, neck and even lungs, according to the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office.
Her 11-year-old son also took the stand to describe the abuse. In addition, three medical professionals testified to the extent of the injuries. Also, a domestic violence expert described the challenges domestic violence victims face within the current criminal justice system, according to the DA.
Prosecutors said Frank took the stand in his own defense and claimed he was the true victim in the relationship, citing “disrespect” in the home.
After less than two hours of deliberations, Frank was convicted of three counts of first-degree aggravated criminal contempt, four counts of first-degree criminal contempt and several misdemeanor assault counts.
Frank faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison when sentenced on May 2.
Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen thanked the work by everyone involved in this case.
“Domestic violence nearly always occurs out of public view and often creates victims who elect to protect their families rather than themselves,” Heggen said in a news release. “I want to commend both the victim and her young son for summoning the courage to take the stand at trial and ensure that the Defendant was held accountable for his years of domestic abuse.”
NewsChannel 13 has learned that Frank was still employed by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office since his arrest in September 2023 until Tuesday, Jan. 28.
His 2024 salary was $94,462, according to the SeeThroughNY public records database.
NewsChannel 13 has reached to Warren County Sheriff Jim LaFarr for comment regarding why Frank was still on the job during that entire time. We will let you know if we hear back.