-Caveat Lector- http://www.bostonherald.com/bostonherald/newstand/bos12301999/p1s2.htm THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1999 Latest jail sex scandal sparks probe Suffolk officer placed on leave By Jack Meyers Another sex-behind-bars scandal broke out at the Suffolk County House of Correction yesterday just as Sheriff Richard J. Rouse fired four correction officers in connection with a brutal assault on a detainee. A nine-year veteran, identified by sources as Mark Vaughn, was placed on administrative leave after an investigation found "credible information" that he repeatedly engaged in sexual activity with a female inmate at the House of Correction in October. The Boston Police Department's sexual assault unit was notified yesterday about the allegation. Sources said a second correction officer has also been implicated in the sexual misconduct probe, but as of yesterday afternoon he had not been put on leave. One source said the delay was caused because Rouse's aides were unable to notify the officer of the action. That officer is suspected of failing to follow mandated procedures, not of any sexual conduct, sources said. "Based on the affidavit we received (Tuesday), the sexual activity took place sometime in early October. It was more than once but for a period not exceeding two weeks," said Gerard Lydon, a spokesman for Rouse. The affidavit provided details of the sexual relationship, several of which have been corroborated, Lydon said. The new sex-with-inmates probe caps a year of embarrassing incidents at the two facilities under Rouse's command, including a prison pregnancy, a lieutenant enmeshed in a drug dealing network, two high-profile cases of assault on detainees, and an inquiry targeting Rouse's own internal affairs chief. The earlier sexual misconduct was initially denied by Rouse but he did an awkward about-face after the female prisoner became pregnant. Four correction officers were fired this fall over the incident. The series of alleged misdeeds has sparked an FBI probe of Rouse's operation as well as a number of civil lawsuits. His own communications office even had an embarrassing incident last week when Janice McKittrick, Rouse's first hire when he was appointed by Gov. William F. Weld in 1997, allegedly "went after" a subordinate with a pencil last week, according to sources. The subordinate reportedly needed medical attention and has not been at work this week. Rouse's administration is also feuding with the two unions representing the bulk of his workforce. Members of Local 419, House of Correction officers who are working without a contract, took a "no confidence" vote this fall and have been posting bumper stickers and signs critical of Rouse. At the same time, the head of Local 1134, which represents 300 correction officers at the Nashua Street Jail, is planning to hold a press conference as early as today to criticize Rouse's "political" hirings and firings. The event was prompted by the firing yesterday of three correction officers and a nurse and the demotion of a supervisor in connection with the beating of a detainee, Leonard Gibson, in October. Gibson reportedly has Tourette's syndrome, which can prompt outbursts of uncontrolled profanity, insults and muscle spasms. Terry Zeferakis, president of Local 1134, blasted administration officials for the actions. "They are covering up their own lack of management skills," said Zeferakis. He declined further comment, saying he would provide a detailed response at the press conference. Officer William Benson and Lt. Eric Donnelly were fired yesterday for allegedly assaulting Gibson in his cell at the Nashua Street Jail's medical unit. Ironically, Rouse nominated Donnelly as "Correction Officer of the Year," an award bestowed on him by Gov. Paul Cellucci last year. Officer Joseph Upton was fired for allegedly failing to report the beating. Upton was manning the unit's control room during that shift. Richard Sederman, a nurse, treated Gibson for his injuries but allegedly did not investigate the incident in a timely manner. He was also fired yesterday. Lt. Jose Burgos, who was supervising the medical unit during the alleged beating, was suspended for 30 days and demoted two ranks for failing to investigate or report the incident. The Gibson beating is one focus of the FBI probe of the sheriff's office. The Herald reported earlier this month that agents removed a number of records and other material from the jail several weeks ago related to the Gibson case. One of the items taken was a document purportedly describing the beating which was hidden behind a mirror by a prisoner occupying the cell across from Gibson's. Rouse's own campaign finances have come under recent scrutiny as well after a Herald review found that a large amount of his fund raising involved contributions from his own staff and contractors. Some contributors were among those given plum jobs and promotions by the sheriff. -- ----------------------- NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml ----------------------- DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! 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