New Jersey corrections officer arrested for allegedly assaulting prisoner

New Jersey law states that inmates cannot consent to sexual relationships

(AFP/Getty Images)

A New Jersey corrections officer has been arrested for allegedly having an ongoing sexual relationship with an inmate.

Avril Richardson, 45, was allegedly involved in a romantic relationship with an inmate for about two years at a minimum security prison, it began in 2016 nd continuned until her arrest on Thursday, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Ms Richardson has worked as a state corrections officer for about eleven years.

She has been charged with second-degree assault. Under New Jersey Law, inmates cannot consent to sexual relationships.

The New Jersey Department of Corrections’ Special Investigations Division discovered the alleged affair between the Ms Richardson and the unidentified inmate.

Following her arrest, Ms Richardson was jailed overnight in Newark’s Essex County jail.

Jessica L Apostolou, the assistant prosecutor handling the case, said the 45-year-old should be given bail on Friday.

Ms Richardson has a court appearance scheduled for January.