SCI Forest Counselor Accused of Sexually Assaulting Inmate

Aly Delp

Aly Delp

Published June 8, 2018 1:58 am
Image

JENKS TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A psychological services specialist at SCI Forest is facing charges after allegedly sexually assaulting an inmate.

Court documents indicate that Marienville-based State Police filed criminal charges against 44-year-old Jeffrey S. Case, of DuBois.

According to a criminal complaint, around 3:00 p.m. on October 18, 2017, the staff at SCI Forest contacted the Marienville-based State Police regarding a PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) complaint filed by a known SCI Forest inmate. It was reported that the inmate engaged in various sex acts with his counselor.

Trooper Nicewonger responded to SCI Forest to investigate.

SCI Forest Captain Settnek informed Trooper Nicewonger that the inmate reported the incident to his teacher, who contacted the shift commander. The allegations included kissing, oral intercourse, and anal intercourse between the inmate and Jeffery Case, a psychological services specialist, the complaint indicates.

According to the complaint, Trooper Nicewonger asked to see Case’s office to look for potential evidence. PREA Commander Davis and Captain Settnek accompanied him. He then made contact with Case, who was in his office. Trooper Nicewonger and the corrections officers asked Case to exit the office so a search could be conducted, and Case complied.

Case was informed that he was the subject of a PREA complaint. It was noted that Case appeared to be very nervous, his face turned red, he began to sweat, and then his face turned white, the complaint states.

According to the complaint, the victim was transported to Penn Highlands DuBois where a rape kit was performed on the victim by a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) at approximately 4:02 p.m.

At approximately 6:45 p.m., the victim was interviewed by Trooper Buffone.

The victim reported that during a counseling session, he was upset after getting some bad news about a family member. He said when he entered Case’s office, he sat down and Case then sat down beside him “thigh to thigh.” The victim reported that Case grabbed his left hand and kissed the top of it and then began to rub his thigh. He said Case then told him to expose his genitals, and he complied. The victim stated that Case kissed him on the lips while touching his genitals, according to the complaint.

The victim then reported they engaged in several sex acts, including oral and anal sex, the complaint states.

The victim also reported that while the incident was taking place, Case stated, “I promise to get you home” (if he performed the sex acts with him). The victim stated that he did not consent to the sex acts, but performed them anyway.

The rape kit that was obtained from the victim was provided to Trooper Buffone, who transported it to PSP DuBois where it was placed in evidence. Following a search warrant granted by Judge Miller on November 14, 2017, Case provided a DNA sample via Buccal swab.

On November 20, 2017, Trooper Nicewonger spoke to the victim at SCI Forest and asked if there was any additional information pertaining to the investigation that he had not discussed with Trooper Buffone. The victim stated that he forgot to mention that he noticed an approximately three-inch long scar in the middle of Case’s lower back.

On November 21, 2017, the rape kit and buccal swab DNA sample were transported to the Erie Regional Crime Laboratory for analysis.

On January 4, 2018, Trooper Nicewonger was contacted by an Erie Regional Laboratory Forensic Scientist via telephone and informed that the chemical testing indicated the presence of saliva on the penile swabs and the left hand of the victim. The penile swabs and the left-hand swabs were prepared for DNA analysis to be performed by the Greensburg Regional Laboratory.

On January 8, a search warrant was prepared and issued by Judge Miller for the purpose of viewing Case’s middle lower back to determine if there was a scar as described by the victim.

The search warrant was served at 1:11 p.m. on January 9, and it was learned that there was an approximately three-inch scar on the middle of Case’s lower back.

On April 3, Trooper Nicewonger received the DNA analysis from the Greensburg Regional Laboratory, forensic DNA Division. It indicated that the combination of DNA types has a high statistic probability of having originated from the victim and Case.

Based on the investigation, Case was arraigned at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, in Magisterial District Judge Daniel L. Miller’s office on the following charges:

– Institutional Sexual Assault, Felony 3
– Official Oppression-Arrest Search Etc, Misdemeanor 2
– Indecent Assault-W/O Consent Of Other, Misdemeanor 2
– Harassment — Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary

Case is currently free on $20,000.00 unsecured bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, with Judge Miller presiding.

Recent Articles

Community Partner