Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Corrections Officer Mark Barber Accused of Extorting Sexual Favors From Inmates

A Long Island corrections officer is being accused of extorting sexual favors from female inmates.

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice says 47-year-old Mark Barber, of Levittown, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple counts of rape, sexual abuse, and forcible touching.

Rice says Barber used his position as a grievance officer for the Nassau County Correctional Center to engage in various sexual activity with female inmates.

Rice says Barber, a corrections officer since 1987, would target inmates who had histories of drug abuse, prostitution, or mental health treatment.

Barber's lawyer, Frederick James Annibale Jr., told reporters that his client denies the charges.

Barber is due back in court Jan. 4. If convicted, he faces up to 16 years in prison.

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