Prison worker, 62, faces trial on inmate-sex allegation

1/18/2013

An employee of the Toledo Correctional Institution appeared in Lucas County Common Pleas Court this week to face charges that she had inappropriate sexual contact with an inmate.

Mary Knappins, 62, of Millbury pleaded not guilty to sexual battery Tuesday. Judge Ruth Ann Franks released her on a supervised recognizance bond and set a Feb. 25 trial date.

If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison.

Authorities said Ms. Knappins had previously worked in the prison cafeteria. She was allegedly caught on video surveillance camera performing a sex act on a 38-year-old inmate, who was serving a life sentence for murder.

The incident allegedly occurred Dec. 2. State law says no employee of a detention facility can engage in sexual conduct with someone confined there.