EX-NASSAU JAIL OFFICER GUILTY OF INMATE SEX ABUSE

newsday.com/Ann Givens

Mark Barber, a 50 year old former Nassau correction officer, is accused of sexually abusingseveral female inmates.  The prosecutor said he chose his victims carefully, selecting thosewho would be least believable if they ever complained about him.  Jurors are expected to begindeliberating Tuesday on the charges against Barber that include rape, official misconduct, forcibletouching and promoting prison contraband.  If he is found guilty of the most serious chargesagainst him he faces up to 20 years in prison.  Between 2007 and 2009, Barber madearrangements so he could be alone with the women, then asked them for sex in exchange for itemsthey wanted, such as cigarettes and phone privileges.  Although the women agreed to havesexual contact with him, under the law, sexual contact between inmates and correction officers isillegal, even if it is consensual.

Barber is headed to jail where he once worked after the jury found him guilty onThursday in 30 out of 43 counts he was charged with, including third degree criminal sex act,forcible touching and official misconduct.  He was found not guilty of the most serious crimehe was charged with, third degree rape.  He gaces up to 10 years in prison.
(New York)