A former Nassau County probation officer pleaded guilty to official misconduct and offering a false instrument for filing for having a sexual relationship with a probationer he supervised, and falsifying records related to her probation.
In August 2023, an attorney for the female probationer reported to county authorities that Matthew Albertson, a Nassau County probation officer, had engaged in a sexual relationship with the woman while she was under his supervision. The attorney provided screenshots of text messages and other supporting documentation alleging that the relationship began in approximately November 2021 and continued through at least March 2022.
The Nassau County District Attorney’s office opened an investigation into the allegations.
The investigation revealed that, on at least nine separate occasions, between January 2022 and August 2023, Albertson falsified case notes regarding drug tests, office visits, and home visits concerning the probationer.
Albertson made entries stating that the probationer had been drug tested at her home and at Probation. However, the evidence revealed that no one from Probation had administered a drug test to her while he was supervising her.
He also made entries that a phone call check-in, home visits, and office visits were made on specific dates. Phone records, text messages between the defendant and the probationer, and other evidence showed that these check-ins did not occur.
Further, the investigation showed that, between December 2021 through March 2022, while supervising the probationer, Albertson engaged in a sexual relationship with the woman, including during a home visit, in violation of written Probation rules that prohibit intimate relationships between officers and their probationers.
Records also showed that, on or about January 14, 2024, Albertson entered into a vehicle purchase contract and financial loan obligation with the probationer’s family member to purchase a car for the probationer, in another violation of agency rules.
From December 22, 2021, through and including February 13, 2022, Albertson also gave the probationer money on at least 18 separate dates, totaling approximately $8,000, for a car rental, manicures, food, and other expenses.
In addition, on February 12, 2022, the probationer had told Albertson through text messages that she feared she was suffering from a fentanyl overdose. Albertson told the woman to stay awake, wake up her mother, and eat sugar, but did not seek medical assistance or emergency services for her. After the incident, Albertson failed to report any drug use to Probation, and later filed a case note reporting that the probationer was doing well.
Albertson surrendered to NCDA Detective Investigators on September 25, 2024.
Albertson, 43, of Smithtown, pleaded guilty on September 8 before Judge Robert Bogle to Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (a Class E felony) and Official Misconduct (a Class A misdemeanor). He is expected to receive a cap of six months in jail and five years of probation when he is sentenced. NCDA recommended a sentence of one to three years in prison. Albertson is due back in court on November 14, 2025.
“Matthew Albertson’s actions were an abhorrent abuse of power and a slap in the face to integrity and fairness. When trust in the justice system is eroded, it casts a shadow over the important work done by so many professionals in Nassau County,” said Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly. “This guilty plea is a testament to my office’s commitment to maintaining public confidence in the system. Anyone who abuses their authority here will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Anyone who believes that they may have been victimized by the defendant can contact NCDA’s Public Corruption Bureau at 516-571-2100.