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| S.D. Jail Officer Sentenced for Inmate Sex |
| By Rapid City Journal |
| Published: 07/28/2003 |
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A 22-year-old former Pennington County Jail officer will spend up to four months in jail after pleading guilty to having sexual contact with a woman inmate, a judge decided Monday. Jermaine Leonard could cut his jail sentence to 60 days if he pays all of his court costs and fees, including $1,225 in attorney fees and other court costs. However, 7th Circuit Judge John J. 'Jack' Delaney said Leonard must pay those costs by earning money through the Pennington County Jail's work-release program. Leonard pleaded guilty to having sexual contact with the inmate while he was a officer at the jail. The judge, the prosecutor and Leonard's attorney all said the facts in the case were in dispute. Either Leonard took advantage of a vulnerable woman in his care, or the woman manipulated him and took advantage of a weak moment. To Judge Delaney, the question was key. 'There're two explanations. One is you're an incredibly foolish young man. The other is, you're a predator,' Delaney said. 'I'm changing my mind every second I speak.' Citing Leonard's good work history, lack of a criminal record and number of character witnesses, Delaney settled on 'foolish young man.' If Leonard successfully completes his jail term and two years of probation, his record will be sealed under a suspended imposition of sentence. Leonard should spend time behind bars, Delaney said, because he violated the trust placed in him as an authority figure. 'You did something no law enforcement officer can do, under any circumstances, under any degree of manipulation,' the judge said. 'You were charged to be a protector, and you failed.' The woman inmate who filed a complaint against Leonard is serving a prison sentence for robbery and aggravated assault. During his two years of probation, Leonard will have to complete 20 hours of community service each month. |
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