Corrections officer arrested for rape

NEW CASTLE, Del. - June 24, 2009 - (WPVI) -- A former Delaware Department of Corrections employee is charged with rape after, investigators say, he coerced a female inmate into having sex with him.

Investigators say Roger L. Thompkins, of New Castle, had sex with a 24-year-old inmate at the Women's Work Release Center in the facility's laundry room back on April 11th.

Thompkins told the inmate to meet him there, authorities say.

According to police, Thompkins knew the inmate was coming up on a disciplinary hearing, and said that he sometimes sits in on the hearings. Authorties then allege that Thompkins told the woman that if she did not have sex with him, he would see to it that she got sent back to prison.

Police say Thompkins then had sex with the woman.

After finishing his shift, investigators say Thompkins left then center and the victim informed a supervisor of the incident. Security video captured both Thompkins and the inmate entering and exiting the hallway to the laundry room.

DNA evidence was collected, police say, and is pending analysis.

The suspect turned himself in Wednesday morning for processing and arraignment. He was released after posting a $34,000.00 secured bail.

Thompkins is charged with rape 2nd degree, unlawful sexual contact 3rd degree, sexual relations in detention facility, official misconduct with unauthorized exercise of official functions, and acts constituting coercion.

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