Here's the start of our series highlighting instances where authority has been misused by law enforcement, dating back two decades. Keep an eye out for more historical accounts of power abuse as we continue to expose them.
A New York City Department of Corrections guard reached a settlement of $135,000 in her federal civil rights suit alleging sexual harassment. Guard Virginia Jones began a consensual sexual relationship with Captain Michael Baxter in March 1998. Jones contended that in September 1998, she ended the relationship with Baxter and made it clear that she no longer wanted to see him on a social basis. Baxter advised co-workers that the relationship was continuing, and he threatened Jones with disciplinary action if she did not continue the relationship.
Jones refused to continue the relationship. Baxter continued to pursue Jones by asking her out for dates, sent her gifts, and made comments such as "[y]ou don't know how to be a Captain's girlfriend." Baxter changed Jones' posts so she had to work in the control room with him. On March 7, 2000, while working in the control room, Baxter asked another guard to leave so he could be alone with Jones.
Baxter then held Jones against her will, kissed her, and fondled her without consent. Baxter also threatened her, spit at her, physically and emotionally abused her, cursed her and made threatening statements to her. Ultimately, Jones was able to grab a radio and broadcast the assault throughout the Rikers Island prison. Baxter again threatened Jones, tried to hit her, and grab the radio. When other jail personnel responded to the transmission, the control room door was opened and Jones was released.
