DA: City jail guard raped female inmate

Prosecutors say a New York City jail guard raped an inmate last year in the women’s facility of the Rikers Island jail complex.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announced Jose Cosme’s arraignment on first-degree rape, sexual abuse and other charges Friday.

Officials say the 36-yearold Cosme forced himself on the woman last November. They say inmates cannot consent to sex.

Jail officials say the nineyear veteran is being suspended.

It wasn’t clear if Cosme had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. A union spokesman hasn’t returned a message.

A 2015 consultant’s report showed entrenched problems at Rikers in dealing with sexual abuse. A separate lawsuit by female inmates claims widespread abuse. A jails spokeswoman says reform efforts at Rikers include complying with federal standards on sexual assault prevention.