Jail Guards Charged With Bribing Female Inmates For Sex

[danielle]

Jail Guards Charged With Bribing Female Inmates For Sex
Two Men Arrested; Warrant Issued For Third

POSTED: 12:21 a.m. EDT August 16, 2003

CHICAGO -- A spokesman for Cook County Sheriff Michael Sheahan said three jail guards are suspected of exchanging money, makeup and other items for sex with female inmates.

James Anthony III, 28, and Iyare Egonmwan, 28, were scheduled to appear in Central Bond Court Friday, each facing multiple felony charges of custodial sexual misconduct.

A warrant was issued for the third guard, Kenneth Swearnigen, 41, who was charged with a single count of custodial sexual misconduct, the spokesman said.

The three guards were assigned to the women's general population in Division IV of the jail complex, according to a news release issued by the sheriff's department, and each allegedly gave female inmates toiletries, food and cash in exchange for sex acts, which occurred either inside the inmates' cells or in shower areas or bathrooms.

Anthony, who worked at the jail since February 2001, is accused of engaging in sex with four inmates between February and March 2003.

The charges against Egonmwan, who worked at the jail since March 1999, stem from a single November 2002 incident involving two women, according to the news release.

Swearnigen, a 16-year veteran of the jail, is accused of one incident for which no date was given.

The release stated that the alleged encounters were believed to be consensual, but a 1997 state law made any sexual activity between correctional officers and inmates a Class 3 felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.

"The main duty of a correctional officer is to maintain a secure and humane environment for inmates who are awaiting trial at Cook County Jail," Sheahan said in the release. "Clearly, these officers abused their power, and as evidenced by our investigation, this abuse will not be tolerated."

The three guards were de-deputized and reassigned to administrative duties in April after an inmate complained to a supervisor in the women's division of the jail that she and a guard had sex in exchange for money and toiletries, according to the release.

After the allegation was made, sheriff's office investigators interviewed more than 50 people and visited three Illinois Department of Corrections facilities to question former inmates of the county jail, according to a WMAQ-TV report. The investigation resulted in the charges filed Friday.

According to the release, the sexual incidents may lead to changes in the female areas of the complex at 26th Street and California Avenue. Sheahan said he has met with Callie Baird, who took over as executive director of the jail less than a month ago, and has requested a complete review of staffing, rules and procedures.

[Retired-5]

hard to believe that these women "talked". i wonder if they got anything in return? what's the difference? snitch or sex?