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| Former jail officer faces charges in sex encounter |
| By Indianapolis Star |
| Published: 12/27/2004 |
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Accusations of sexual misconduct have resulted in the arrest of a recently ousted Hamilton County (Ind.) Jail officer. Christopher L. Lovell, 34, Westfield, faces charges of Class D felony sexual misconduct and Class A misdemeanor official misconduct, according to a warrant issued Dec. 16. Lovell posted $2,500 bond on Thursday and was released from the Hamilton County Jail. The charges stem from a Nov. 28 encounter between Lovell and a female inmate at the jail. Lovell, who had worked for four months in the jail's control room, is accused of leaving his post to engage in a sexual act with the woman in a visitation area, according to court documents. Sheriff Doug Carter said "disgust and anger" best describe his reaction to the incident. "The appropriate policies are in place, and . . . we can't control what people do 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Carter said. "We can just select what we think are the best people for these positions, and we've got to place some trust in them, and he jeopardized that trust. For that, I'm angry." According to police accounts of the incident, the female inmate was summoned from the library over the intercom by Lovell, who asked her to turn off the lights in the visitation area. A probable cause affidavit detailing the alleged incident says Lovell tried to touch her breast and place his hand down her pants. The woman refused, but then moments later performed a sex act on him, according to the affidavit. The sheriff said he believes the sex act was consensual. Jail videotape monitors captured Lovell leaving the control room, then returning. Sheriff's officials became aware of the sexual allegation after a different inmate claimed Lovell made inappropriate comments to her on a separate occasion. That inmate said Lovell asked her to show her breasts. Carter said the investigation into that allegation did not warrant a criminal charge, but it did lead to Lovell's resignation from the part-time position and the second allegation. |
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