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In a shocking turn of events, a former state prison corrections officer from Meadville has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting two female inmates at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Cambridge Springs, PA.
Alfonzia Newsome, 49, was ordered held for trial on all charges filed by Pennsylvania State Police following a preliminary hearing on Tuesday morning before Magisterial District Judge Lincoln Zilhaver of Vernon Township, according to the Meadville Tribune.
Newsome is charged with three counts each of institutional sexual assault, indecent assault forcible compulsion, and harassment. The charges stem from allegations that he sexually touched two inmates between December 11, 2022, and August 16, 2023, while on duty as a corrections officer at the prison.
According to a spokeswoman for SCI Cambridge Springs, Newsome has not been employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and at SCI Cambridge Springs since November 30, 2023. He became a corrections officer at SCI Albion, a state prison for men, in June 2020 and transferred to SCI Cambridge Springs in December 2022.
The investigation into Newsome's alleged misconduct began in July 2023 after several inmates at SCI Cambridge Springs made allegations against him. The arrest affidavit states that two SCI Cambridge Springs inmates, who are named as victims, were interviewed multiple times by the police. Each inmate claimed that Newsome had touched her inappropriately below the waist as he stood at the entrance of her cell, with one of the inmates alleging that she was victimized on two occasions.
Newsome remains free on nonmonetary bond and is awaiting trial during the November criminal trial term of Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.
In the wake of the shocking allegations against former state prison corrections officer Alfonzia Newsome, Pennsylvania lawyer Guy D'Andrea sat down with our team to discuss the legal recourse available to victims sexually assaulted by a prison guard. As an experienced advocate for those who have suffered sexual abuse in correctional facilities, D'Andrea provided valuable insights into the civil lawsuit avenues the inmates can explore, as well as the potential for holding the Department of Corrections accountable for any negligence in this case.
Editor Darla Medina: Can you explain what legal options are available for inmates assaulted by a corrections officer?
Attorney Guy D'Andrea: Absolutely. The victims in cases like this have several avenues they can pursue. First and foremost, they can file a civil lawsuit against the guard for the sexual assault and battery. Additionally, they may have grounds to sue the state's Department of Corrections for negligence in hiring, retaining, and supervising, as the prison had a duty to protect the inmates in their care.
DM: That's a significant point. What would the victims need to prove in order to hold the Department of Corrections accountable?
GD: The victims would need to demonstrate that the Department of Corrections knew or should have known about the accuser's propensity for this kind of misconduct and failed to take appropriate action to prevent it. This could involve evidence of prior complaints, inadequate training, or lax oversight of correctional officers. If the victims can establish this, the Department could be held liable for the harm suffered.
DM: And what type of damages could the victims seek in a civil lawsuit?
GD: The victims would be entitled to compensatory damages, which could include compensation for the physical and emotional trauma they endured, as well as any related medical expenses. Punitive damages may also be available if the court finds that Newsome's actions were particularly egregious or that the Department of Corrections displayed a willful disregard for the inmates' safety.
DM: This is a disturbing case, but it sounds like the victims do have legal recourse. Thank you for your time and insight.
GD: You're welcome. I hope this information helps the victims understand their rights and the potential paths to accountability and justice.
For the victims and their families, the road ahead may seem daunting, but they do not have to face it alone. If you or a loved one have experienced sexual abuse by a correctional officer or other prison staff, we urge you to reach out to our team for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable. Together, we can work to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to take the first step towards healing and closure.\
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