Former SCI Forest Officer Charged with Assaulting Fellow Officers
Garrett Smead, 29, of Warren, Pennsylvania, a former corrections officer at SCI Forest, has been charged with multiple offenses related to the alleged assault of two fellow officers. The charges were announced by Attorney General Dave Sunday in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police.
Details of the Alleged Assaults
According to investigators, the incidents occurred in May. Smead allegedly handcuffed two recently hired officers in separate incidents. He is accused of restraining them and then sexually assaulting them.
During one of the alleged incidents, Smead reportedly wrote "Property of G. Smead" on the victim's body. Both victims were left handcuffed until other officers arrived and released them.
Charges Filed Against Smead
Pennsylvania State Police charged Smead on Monday with multiple misdemeanor counts, including indecent assault, unlawful restraint, indecent exposure, and related offenses.
Statement from Attorney General Dave Sunday
“The allegations in this case are unacceptable for anyone, let alone a corrections officer with a sworn duty to secure our prisons and protect our communities,” said Attorney General Sunday. “Anytime an officer is charged with a crime, it negatively impacts the trust that we rightly show to the honorable members of law enforcement. I commend the Pennsylvania State Police for a sound investigation that will ensure the defendant is held accountable for this dehumanizing behavior.”
Legal Proceedings
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Stephen Sliger of the Criminal Prosecutions Section. Smead is awaiting his preliminary hearing in front of Magisterial District Judge Daniel Miller in Forest County.
It is important to remember that criminal charges are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
