Schenectady

A veteran county jail guard resigned last week after allegedly divulging personal information to inmates about other inmates and guards as well as about security features at the jail, according to several people familiar with the situation.

Leslie Gemmette allegedly spoke with inmates on several occasions about private matters including the health problems of correction officers, which doors and gates inside the jail are monitored by surveillance cameras and how the radio system operates.

Gemmette, a 12-year veteran, also gave inmates information about other prisoners, including gang affiliation and which ones were confidential informants, the people said.

One of the inmates agreed to wear a recording device, which captured hours of conversations over two days that Gemmette allegedly had with inmates.

After being confronted with that evidence, Gemmette resigned on Friday, said the people with knowledge of the matter.

It's unclear what prompted Gemmette's alleged behavior or how long it lasted.

Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino would only confirm Wednesday that a two-month investigation resulted in the resignation of an employee. The sheriff wouldn't give the name of the employee because he said he is prohibited from discussing personnel matters.

Ron Walsh, president of the Schenectady County Sheriffs Association, said an employee, whom he declined to identify, resigned for personal reasons. He didn't elaborate.

A website of employment and salary information on state employees indicates that Gemmette, hired in May 2002, earned $60,324 last year.

Gemmette declined comment Wednesday, saying he had signed several pages of paperwork prohibiting him from discussing the circumstances of his resignation.

"I would like to give my side of the story; I just don't know what I'm able to say," said Gemmette, 38, who is married with children. He said he does not have an attorney.

Schenectady County Chief Assistant District Attorney Philip Mueller wouldn't discuss the case or say if Gemmette's alleged actions are criminal.

Speaking in general terms, Mueller said that any correction officer engaged in illicit activity would make criminal prosecution difficult because many people stigmatize cooperating with police and prosecutors.

"We have often had inmates who we're seeking information from tell us they are concerned for their safety," said Mueller. "So, yes, if a correction officer were to reveal information about cooperating individuals, that would be dangerous to the individual and damaging to law enforcement," he said.

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