Edna Mahan Corrections Officer From Hudson County Sexually Assaulted Inmate: AG

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A senior correctional officer at the infamous Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women was charged with sexual assault and official misconduct on Wednesday, according to the Attorney General's office.

Senior Correctional Police Officer Tyrell Harris-McLaughlin of Jersey City sexually assaulted an inmate while he was on duty in the facility. The victim was able to give officials DNA samples from the assault to match Harris-McLaughlin, according to the AG.

The complaint-warrant filed against Harris-McLaughlin alleges that assault happened on Sept. 16, 2021.

“Anyone in custody is entitled to be free from sexual or other assaults,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher. “When law enforcement officers assault and exploit those subject to their authority, as alleged here, we will ensure that they are fully investigated and prosecuted.”

Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The sexual assault charge carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility equal to 85 percent of the sentence imposed. The official misconduct charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in state prison without possibility of parole.

Edna Mahan has long been infamous for abuse and rape allegations — Gov. Phil Murphy plans to shut the prison down.

“Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women has a long history of abusive incidents predating our Administration, and we must now commit ourselves to completely breaking this pattern of misconduct to better serve incarcerated women entrusted to the state’s care,” Murphy said in a June statement calling for its closing.

Other Edna Mahan Coverage:

• NJ Prison Closing After Women Inmates Were Beaten By Guards
• 3 Officers Charged After Women Inmates Beaten At NJ Prison
• Inmate Beaten By Guards Files Lawsuit Against NJ Prison: Report
• Piscataway Prison Guard Charged With Assault At Edna Mahan
• 4th Officer Charged After Beating Of Women Inmates At NJ Prison