NEWARK, NJ — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced Dec. 14 that Avril D. Richardson, 45, of Elizabeth, has been charged with second-degree sexual assault for engaging in sexual conduct with an inmate at Northern State Prison in Newark, where she was employed as a senior correctional police officer.
Richardson was arrested Dec. 13 at her Elizabeth home. She was detained at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark but was scheduled to be released Dec. 14, according to Assistant Prosecutor Jessica L. Apostolou, who is handling the case.
It is alleged that starting in 2016 until her arrest, Richardson had an ongoing romantic relationship with the victim. The alleged relationship came to light based on an investigation conducted by the New Jersey Department of Corrections Special Investigations Division. Working in concert with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards Bureau, Richardson was arrested and charged.
Richardson is due back in court Jan. 11 before Superior Court Judge Mark S. Ali.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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