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In a disturbing turn of events, a former state prison corrections officer from Meadville has been accused by police of sexually assaulting two female inmates at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Cambridge Springs, located at 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403.
Alfonzia Newsome, 49, was arraigned on Tuesday morning, July 30, 2024, before Magisterial District Judge Lincoln Zilhaver of Vernon Township on three counts each of institutional sexual assault, indecent assault forcible compulsion, and harassment, according to The Meadville Tribune.
Pennsylvania State Police reported that Newsome is alleged to have sexually touched two inmates between December 11, 2022, and August 16, 2023, while he was working as a corrections officer at the prison.
Newsome, who was hired as a corrections officer at SCI Albion, a state prison for men, in June 2020 and transferred to SCI Cambridge Springs in December 2022, has not been employed by the Department of Corrections since late 2023, as confirmed by Amy Boylan, spokeswoman for SCI Cambridge Springs.
The investigation into the alleged abuse began in July 2023 after state police were made aware of the allegations by several inmates at the facility. Two of the inmates, who are named as victims in the affidavit, were interviewed multiple times by the police, each alleging that Newsome had touched them inappropriately below the waist as he stood at the entrance of their cells.
One of the victims claimed she was victimized on two separate occasions, according to the affidavit.
SCI Cambridge Springs, which can house up to 1,060 inmates and has about 350 full-time employees, is one of two state prisons for women in Pennsylvania, opened in 1992 on the site of the former Alliance College of Cambridge Springs.
Newsome was released on nonmonetary bond following his arraignment on Tuesday. He is scheduled to face a preliminary hearing on the charges on August 13 before Judge Zilhaver.
If convicted, Newsome could face up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine on each of the institutional sexual assault counts, up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine on each of the indecent assault counts, and up to 90 days in jail and a $300 fine on each of the harassment counts.
This case has sent shockwaves through the community and raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of inmates in the state's correctional system. As the investigation continues, the public will be watching closely to ensure that justice is served.
The shocking allegations against former prison guard Alfonzia Newsome have sent shockwaves through the community, raising urgent questions about the safety and well-being of inmates in the state's correctional system. In the wake of these disturbing claims, we look to experienced prison sexual abuse lawyer, Guy D'Andrea, to discuss the legal options available to the victims and how to hold negligent parties accountable.
Editor Darla Medina: Mr. D'Andrea, as an experienced sexual abuse lawyer, what can you tell us about the legal options available for the victims in this case?
Attorney Guy D'Andrea: Well, Darla, this is a deeply troubling situation, and the victims in this case have a number of legal avenues they can pursue. First and foremost, they have the right to file civil lawsuits against the perpetrator, Alfonzia Newsome, for the sexual assaults they endured. Additionally, they may have grounds to sue the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for negligence in hiring, supervising, and retaining Newsome, given the allegations of abuse.
DM: That's quite concerning. Can you elaborate on the Department of Corrections' potential liability in a case like this?
GD: Absolutely. Correctional facilities have a duty to protect the safety and well-being of the inmates in their custody. If the Department of Corrections failed to properly vet, train, or monitor Newsome, and this failure enabled the alleged sexual assaults to occur, then the victims may have a strong case against the department. Prisons must have robust safeguards in place to prevent this type of abuse from happening.
DM: And what about the criminal charges against Newsome? How significant are those in the broader legal context?
GD: The criminal charges are critical, Darla. If Newsome is convicted, it will not only hold him personally accountable but also bolster the victims' civil cases. Successful criminal prosecution can demonstrate the severity of the offenses and provide valuable evidence for the civil proceedings. The victims should work closely with the prosecutors to ensure a thorough investigation and, ultimately, justice.
DM: Thank you, Mr. D'Andrea, for providing this valuable insight. It's clear that the victims in this case have a path forward to seek justice and compensation for the trauma they've endured. This is a deeply concerning situation, and we'll continue to follow the developments closely.
GD: You're welcome, Darla. I hope that the victims in this case find the strength and support they need to navigate the legal system and hold all responsible parties accountable. No one should have to suffer such a violation of their rights and dignity, especially while in the custody of the state.
As this case continues to unfold, it's clear that the victims and their families will need experienced legal representation to navigate the complex legal landscape and pursue the justice they deserve. If you or a loved one have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct in a correctional facility, we encourage you to reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team of dedicated sexual abuse lawyers is here to listen, provide guidance, and fight tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected and that those responsible are held accountable. No one should have to suffer the trauma of prison sexual abuse alone. Contact us today to take the first step towards healing and justice.
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