Corrections officers throughout the country spend a great deal of time in close proximity to inmates. In some cases, officers come into contact with them after they are released. In the case of one Ohio man, alleged contact with a former female inmate could require him to hire a criminal defense counsel.
According to reports, the woman in question was in the jail’s booking area making a phone call. The officer is said to have overheard that she was looking for someone to come get her to take her home. He allegedly offered to give her a ride.
What reportedly happened during that ride has already caused the Ohio man to lose his job. Depending on the outcome of the official investigation, he could potentially lose his freedom, as well. The former inmate claims that the then officer did not take her home, but instead took her to another location where he allegedly forced himself on her and sexually assaulted her.
So far, charges have not been filed against the former corrections officer. However, the allegation have already adversely affected his life. It may be beneficial for him to obtain representation following the official investigation.
As this case illustrates, simply being accused of a crime can have devastating repercussions before any charges are even filed. Just because someone engages a criminal defense counsel at this point does not mean he or she is guilty of any crime. It means that he or she understands that the process can quickly take on a life of its own requiring oversight by someone who understands the process and whose sole objective is to make sure that proper procedures are followed and the rights of the accused are safeguarded.
Source: 13abc.com, “Lucas Co. corrections officer fired amid sex assault allegations“, , Aug. 13, 2014
Source: 13abc.com, “Lucas Co. corrections officer fired amid sex assault allegations“, , Aug. 13, 2014