A former guard at the Essex County Correctional Facility was recently convicted of raping a female inmate.
According to federal prosecutors, the 42-year-old suspect was on duty as a law enforcement officer at the Essex County Jail when he forcibly had sex with the victim. The sexual offense occurred during the suspect’s overnight shift of December 27-28, 2010.
During trial, prosecutors said that the suspect offered rewards to inmates in exchange for sex. For example, the suspect reportedly offered cigarettes to one inmate if she would have sex with him.
The rape victim testified in court that the suspect flashed a flashlight at her and then contacted her through the jail’s intercom system. He later entered her cell while she was sleeping and attacked her. The victim said that the suspect pulled down her sweatpants and her underwear, then held her down while having sexual intercourse with her.
During the sexual assault, the victim was frozen and unable to scream for help. She later reported the incident to authorities.
The suspect also allegedly attempted to cover up his sex crime after the fact. He spoke with investigators and reportedly denied ever entering the victim’s cell.
The suspect was eventually arrested and charged with sexual assault and obstruction of justice.
When the suspect returns to U.S. District Court in Newark for a formal sentencing hearing, he could potentially be sentenced to life imprisonment. In the meantime, the suspect’s bail has been revoked.
For more information about this case, access the NJ.com article, “Former N.J. Prison Guard Convicted of Raping Inmate.”
