Billerica corrections officer indicted on assault of inmate

A corrections officer at the Billerica House of Correction allegedly assaulted an inmate in June and lied about the circumstances in a written report, prosecutors announced.

A grand jury returned the indictment against Alexander Tine on Sept. 17 with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and one count of false report by a public official, court records show. 

Tine remains employed by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, but he is on unpaid leave, spokesperson Kevin Maccioli told Boston.com.

Tine did not have an attorney listed in court records Sunday evening, and he could not be reached for comment.

The alleged assault occurred on June 29, when an inmate stuck his feet and arm through the handcuff port opening in his cell, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office said in a press release. Tine said something to the inmate, and, less than 10 seconds later, he used his foot to push the inmate’s foot through the port.

The inmate then placed his arm in the opening, which prevented the door from closing, according to the suit. Tine, who unsuccessfully attempted to close the door, struck the door with his knee several times until the inmate moved his arm, according to the release.

Tine then filed a written report that said the inmate kicked, spit on, and grabbed him. However, the release says, the evidence did not support that version of events. 

According to the indictment, Tine used a shod foot and a handcuff port door as a dangerous weapon.

The inmate was in jail on pending charges for assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct, court records show.

In May 2025, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office awarded Tine for an outstanding performance, according to a Facebook post. In November 2024, the sheriff’s office awarded Tine employee of the month for discovering three homemade weapons in a cell, according to a LinkedIn post. 

The post said Tine worked on the 3-11 shift and assisted “medical and mental health staff.”

Tine is scheduled for his arraignment in Middlesex Superior Court on Wednesday.