Sheriff's Captain Charged with Rape

(Monroe County, New York) In September 2010, Sheriff's Captain Catherine McLaughlin was suspended from her position while allegations of sex with an inmate were investigated.

This morning, Monroe County Court unsealed a grand jury indictment accusing McLaughlin of rape, official misconduct and unauthorized use of a computer.

An indictment unsealed today alleges McLaughlin had sexual intercourse on three ocassions, stemming between Feb. 1 and 28, March 2 and between March 3 and 23. The indictment reads that McLaughlin had sexual intercourse with a person not capable of consent, and is over the age of 17.

A person is incapable of consent when they are in custody of the state department of correctional services, according to penal law.

McLaughlin also faces 13 counts of official misconduct, stemming from incidents between February and March. On Sept. 15, the indictment alleges McLaughlin accessed or used a computer with authorization, as well.

McLaughlin has been employed with the Sheriff's Office for 23 years in the jail bureau, Sheriff's Office spokesman John Helfer said.

McLaughlin was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.

Tip: Chuck Simmins