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| Prison librarian attack investigated |
| By The State and WIS-TV |
| Published: 06/22/2001 |
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State officials have been called in to investigate reports of a sexual assault involving a prison librarian and an HIV-positive inmate. Corrections Department officials said the assault happened at the Broad River Road Correctional Institution, which has the highest level of security and houses violent offenders. Corrections Director Gary Maynard made no excuses for what took place at his prison, 'As director I'm responsible for everything that happens, and I take responsibility for this incident.' Prison spokeswoman Cheryl Bates-Lee said the incident happened about 4:50 p.m. Monday. The State Law Enforcement Division was called in after 5 p.m. The rape suspect slipped away from his group, which was heading back to the housing units and hid in an empty room, Maynard says. The female employee was walking into the institution's educational facility, toward the library, when the prisoner forced her into a bathroom across the hall, where he beat her and raped her, investigators say. According to Maynard, officers usually count the inmates when they return to their cells. He thinks the assault happened before the count was completed. The 35-year-old Florence man, who tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS, has been in the prison since 1991. He was sentenced to 25 years for first-degree criminal sexual assault. He also was charged with robbery, breach of trust and fraud. Bates-Lee has refused to release further details on the case, saying it's still under investigation. David Jordan, head of executive affairs for Corrections, said an internal investigation is being done to determine whether procedures were followed. The Broad River facility has a secured double-fenced perimeter, armed coverage and electronic security, according to the Corrections Web site. 'In this particular area (where the woman was jumped), we don't know the frequency with which (an officer) would come through,' Jordan said. 'I don't know if an officer should have been assigned or was assigned to the area or if the inmate was out of place.' SLED spokesman Hugh Munn said investigators will not release the name of the inmate unless he is charged. Maynard says he'll do anything he can to make the prison safe for his workers, 'I'm still committed to protecting our employees. We redouble our efforts, we support the victim and we're doing every can for her.' The woman was treated and released from Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital, officials said. |
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