Prison looking into alleged sexual assault attempt

JESSUP — Maryland prison officials are investigating an alleged assault against a correctional officer Friday at the Patuxent Institution in Jessup.

Officials said a veteran female correctional officer reported she was escorting a male inmate assigned to kitchen duty when the inmate shoved her into a closet and attempted to sexually assault her.

The correctional officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment. She has identified her alleged attacker, according to state officials.

Patrick Moran, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Maryland Council 3 union — which represents correctional officials — said the correctional officer “was assigned to oversee two tiers. Each tier has 65 inmates. This was not adequate staffing.”