Hudson Valley Prison Guard Guilty of Sexually Abusing Inmate

A man employed as a prison guard in the Hudson Valley was found guilty of sexually abusing an inmate.

In Westchester County Court, 34-year-old Rasheen Smalls, of Yonkers was found guilty by a jury for criminal sexual act and official misconduct.

According to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, in July 2015 at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility Smalls, while on duty at the facility as a corrections officer, Smalls entered a utility closet of one of the housing units with the victim and engaged in oral sexual conduct with her.

Officials say Smalls engaged in this misconduct purely for his own personal satisfaction and abused his authority and position as a New York State Corrections Officer. The oral sexual conduct occurred at a time when the victim was incapable of consent because she was committed to the care and custody of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Smalls was remanded the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla He faces 1.5 to 4 years in prison when sentenced on August 10.