Andre Julius Basca, a corrections officer at the Cuyahoga County Jail, has been arrested after facing charges for allegedly raping 3 inmates. Authorities say the incidents occurred inside the jail in a span of just 17 days.
Basca, who is 34-years old, was charged with three counts of rape, all first-degree felonies; three counts of sexual battery, both third-degree felonies and two counts of gross sexual imposition, both fourth-degree felonies.
According to court records, Basca sexually assaulted 3 different male inmates in the jail between June 1 and June 17. Prosecutors claim that in some cases, Basca entered the cell of an inmate and forced him into sexual contact.
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Basca had been placed on paid administrative leave since the allegations started. He has been working as a corrections officer since March 18, 2019 and was assigned in the jail's mental health unit.
An internal investigation regarding the incidents is ongoing and the prosecutors have been looking if additional charges will be filed.
"The care and protection of our jail detainees is of paramount concern. It is never acceptable to violate people’s rights as an employee of the Sheriff’s Department, and we continue with our pledge to proactively ensure that our staff serves at a high standard and is held strictly accountable," Cuyahoga County Sheriff Christopher Paul Viland said in a statement according to Cleveland 19 News.
Meanwhile, Basca is currently behind bards in lieu of a $100,000 bond.