Former Prosecutor Sued for Malicious Prosecution After Alleged Affair With Defendant's Wife

Lawsuit alleges prosecutor weaponized criminal justice system to further personal relationship

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, the metal reflecting the harsh, direct light of the camera flash, creating a stark, investigative aesthetic.A stark, gritty image of the tools of the criminal justice system, exposing the potential for abuse of power behind the scenes.Rochester Today

A Rochester, New York man is suing a former prosecutor in the Livingston County District Attorney's Office for malicious prosecution and wrongful incarceration. The lawsuit claims the prosecutor, Jonathan D. Francisco, had an inappropriate relationship with the plaintiff's wife while prosecuting the plaintiff on false charges.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about potential abuse of power and conflicts of interest within the criminal justice system. If the allegations are true, it could undermine public trust in prosecutors and call into question the integrity of criminal proceedings.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that Francisco, while serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Livingston County, pursued criminal charges against Joseph S. Rought that Francisco knew were false. This was allegedly done so Francisco could continue his relationship with Rought's wife, Nicole Rought, who was the sole complaining witness in the case against Rought. The suit claims Francisco directed the alteration of the date of the felony complaint against Rought when he learned Rought had a credible alibi. Rought was incarcerated for four months before the indictment was dismissed, during which time he lost his job, was separated from his children, suffered emotional distress, and had his reputation tarnished.

  • In 2024, Francisco was arrested and charged with 'official misconduct' after being accused of an inappropriate relationship with an alleged crime victim.
  • On March 27, 2026, Rought filed the lawsuit against Francisco, Livingston County, the District Attorney's Office, and the Sheriff's Office.

The players

Jonathan D. Francisco

A former Assistant District Attorney in Livingston County, New York who is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with the wife of a defendant he was prosecuting.

Joseph S. Rought

A Rochester, New York man who is suing Francisco, Livingston County, the District Attorney's Office, and the Sheriff's Office for malicious prosecution and wrongful incarceration.

Nicole Rought

The wife of Joseph S. Rought, who allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with prosecutor Jonathan D. Francisco and was the sole complaining witness in the criminal case against her husband.

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What’s next

The Livingston County Court will need to determine the merits of Rought's lawsuit and whether the actions of Francisco warrant damages.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for abuse of power and conflicts of interest within the criminal justice system, and the need for robust oversight and accountability measures to protect the integrity of prosecutions.