Female prison workers often behind sexual misconduct

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Mar 15, 2010 at 6:44 AM MST

Story Updated: Mar 15, 2010 at 6:44 AM MST

HELENA - An investigation into the case of a Montana inmate who convinced female prison workers to have sex with him or perform other favors sheds light on a national problem experts say is often ignored or misunderstood.

Documents detailing the state investigation into prisoner Michael Murphy's liaisons show that Murphy has "compromised" as many as five women working in the Montana corrections system.

A Justice Department study shows that female staff are more often implicated than men in prison sexual misconduct, a place where inmates can not legally consent to sex.

Experts say that prison systems sometimes don't treat female workers as harshly as male counterparts when caught. Others argue a culture of silence, along with a sexually charged environment, makes it a difficult place for women to work.

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