Ex-corrections officer sentenced for using intercom to eavesdrop

Staff report

WARREN

Barbara Ruggieri, 45, a former corrections officer at the Trumbull County jail, has been sentenced to one year of probation and a suspended six-month jail sentence for using an intercom system to eavesdrop on supervisors.

Ruggieri, of Anderson- Anthony Road, Leavittsburg, also lost her job as a result of the charges, Judge John M. Stuard of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court said Thursday at her sentencing.

Jail officials said Ruggieri resigned about a month ago. She had been on unpaid administrative leave since sometime in November 2010.

Ruggieri, who had worked at the jail since 2009, pleaded guilty in March to falsification, a misdemeanor.

Sheriff Thomas Altiere said Ruggieri and two other corrections officers were investigated after officials learned they were using intercom and video systems at the jail to determine when jail supervisors were taking a break outside the jail, and listening to their conversations.

Cases still are pending against the two other corrections officers, who also are on unpaid administrative leave.