Mark Samuels, a former Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy, appeared in Judge Courtland Geyer’s courtroom this afternoon and entered a guilty plea to one count of Custodial Sexual Misconduct 1, one count of Sex Abuse 2 (felonies), two counts of Sexual Misconduct 2 and two counts of Sex Abuse 3 (misdemeanors). These crimes stem from Mr. Samuels’ inappropriate behavior with a female inmate under his supervision.
He was sentenced to serve a total of 36 months in prison. Additionally, Mr. Samuels will be on post prison supervision for an additional 54 months, will register as a sex offender, and will surrender his DPSST Corrections certificates. As a result, he will no longer be able to serve in a law enforcement or public safety capacity.
Department of Corrections personnel took Mr. Samuels into custody immediately following the sentencing.
Sheriff Jason Myers terminated Mr. Samuels on May 23rd, 2012, following an internal investigation into his behavior.
In response to today’s sentencing, Sheriff Myers released this statement:
“Mr. Samuels’ actions were illegal and clearly outside of our Office’s organizational values. His actions were very disappointing to all of us, and I can assure you the appropriate actions were taken when the situation was discovered. I support the public’s expectation that all members of the Sheriff’s Office are held to the highest professional standards of public safety. Mr. Samuels’ actions failed to meet these standards, but I want the public to know that his actions are not reflective of the dedicated Sheriff’s Office professionals that serve our Community. I fully support the court’s actions in this case.”
Before his arrest, Mr. Samuels worked for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for about four years. He served in the Institutions Division and worked in the Jail Work Center.
News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff’s Office