A corrections officer at a federal jail facility in Lower Manhattan has been brought up on assault charges after the revelation that he sexually abused at least four prisoners under his care between 2012 and 2018. While most inmate assault cases in New York City arise after physically violent confrontations, sexual assault is no less serious and can have lifelong after effects for the victims. In some cases, these serious civil rights violations have resulted in substantial settlements for the victims.
In a criminal complaint filed against the corrections officer in question, the victims say that over the course of 6 years they suffered multiple physically sexually assaults. At least one of the victims said that she used to “tolerate” the abuse because the officer would smuggle contraband into the jail facility for her including personal care items, makeup, and food.
However, Under New York law that there cannot be true “consent” in a sexual assault case when the aggressor holds a position of power over the victim. This shift in the power dynamic makes it impossible for the victim not to feel pressured, fearful, or overwhelmed.
While the full details of the case have yet to come to light, the allegations laid bare in the criminal complaint clearly show a pattern of abuse of power against these inmates. Whenever an assault occurs (physical, sexual, or even verbal) and a corrections officer is the aggressor, victims many times do not speak up. Far too often, these inmate abuse cases in New York City go unnoticed because the victims stay silent fearing reprisals.
Having an experienced New York City civil rights lawyer on your side makes the process of holding former abusers accountable a much greater reality. If you’ve been abused at the hands of prison staff while in custody, reach out to an expert inmate assault attorney in New York City to get the legal help you need. Get the compensation you deserve. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 right now.