the poor guy was just wookin' por nub in aww the wong pwacces...

darius: I respect your comment to tallman regarding President Bush because it was open, honest and humorous. You said, “In many cases, I believe his heart has been in the right place, it's just that his head has been out to lunch!” I find your statement to be very apropos because intending to do good, without actually doing good, because one’s head is out to lunch, is useless. W is not the only person who is like that. I know, because my head has been “out to lunch” many times. *lol*

tallman
I'm not a George Bush proponent, but I will say this..... after his term is up and the smoke clears somewhat, we'll find out he's not as bad as "we've" made him out to be. I believe he's got his share of shortcomings, don't get me wrong! In many cases, I believe his heart has been in the right place, it's just that his head has been out to lunch!

Oh Woodsman....Your just jealous you weren't the inmate involved....haha...just kidding!! Me neither....who really cares .... ship the inmate and the corrections officer off to Iraq and let them fratranize all they want.

I wonder if they had the JAILHOUSE ROCK music going,and he felt like ELVIS. Their both over 18,WHO CARES?????????????? I don't!

Seriously though, those of us on here who are getting way too involved in trying to figure out who was right or wrong, are just wasting our valuable time here on earth. This whole situation is so redneck, and needs to be left to Jeff Foxworthy to figure out.

Boy! His mother must be so PROUD of the high standards he sets for a mate.....yikes. I tell you what, there are two places you should NEVER look for Love.....1) A Bar 2) A Jail/Prison. I hope he remembers this lesson learned.

Darius, Bush stood in front of the camera and lied about everything to take us to war killing thousands of innocent american soldiers and Iraqis.

Nothing these days is below the law. A good example of right vs wrong being compromised is Bill Clinton. The highest ranking officer in the U.S. can go on nat'l TV, look the camera in the eye and flat out LIE to the people who are looking to him lead his country. Where's the integrity? Behind the scenes, he tried to re-define what "sexual relations" truly means. So what if he's "making time" with a woman other than his wife...he's just a man representing the U.S. before the entire world. No big deal! ......You can't redefine principles! They are always the foundation for everything and anything. Without that, we have nothing to weigh against as to what is "right" or "wrong"..... in this culture, we have a "well, it works for me" mentality. That doesn't cut it. Should we expect that from our children who we're molding to be upstanding citizens in our communities?

Like i said i wonder why this guy wasnt arested for sexual assult.Hes a corectional officerthat violated the law no matter how u look at it.This should not be swept under the rug.By the the maybee the Sherriffs dept an Department of corections shoul be investigated to make sure that there not violateing the other rules as well to.

By the way, Darius I agree with your principle statement here. It does seem like that doesn't it.?

Alright enough with the comparisons. The only real similarities between the stupid Screemin Mee-mee's thing and this, is that they were both in the paper. It isn't completely different but basically you are making a loose association between the two. That gets you nowhere. Besides each case is it's own, and the authorities haven't concluded their process yet. The strip-club subject was much farther along-right? So stop with that outcry! I also feel that what is earned should be given-the consequences. Like I said last night, it isn't over yet and "if he did it..." I heard that this female inmate is one of the most 'con amongst con' types in that jail, and had similar issues in the past.

Most of the 18 misdemeanor prostitution charges already filed by the DA’s office against other people in connection with Screamin’ MeeMees involved sexual contact—rubbing or touching of breasts or genitalia—but not oral sex or intercourse.

Like I said, wheres his chagre???

Hey are they gonna charge them with prostitution? Ya know that Janesville considers touching and grinding illegal now!! Or is that only for "certian" people...I was in Tremors the other night and saw all kinds of law breakers, they where dancing and grinding, shame on them, don't they know thier breaking the law!!!Where was the cops for that...Why is it only good for some and not all???

Yeah, let's get rid of all the lawyers and the DA's and judges and get back to good old-fashioned lynch mobs.

It all boils down to character and integrity. There is an obvious wrong doing here. Right are wrong are non-negotiable! Everytime the laws that are put in place get altered and re-negotiated, we have chaos. Whatever the penalty is for what this man did he should pay for. That part should never be compromised. Problem is, everything is compromised way before that part is in play. We have to dilly dally around with the lawyers and the DA's and judges because NOBODY can stand for truth or justice. There always has to be a deal made. It sucks. We'd have less crime in this country if these crooked, agenda driven thieves just stuck to right and wrong and stopped coming up with their own version of the truth.

He may not have done anything wrong in a civilian sense. Just as there exist sexual harassment laws for the workplace, but we all know of romances that have legitimately blossomed even between supervisors and subordinates. If time served was complete and they made a connection and pursued it outside the jail environment, it might be a little skeezy but not illegal.
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But of course in the jail we do demand a higher standard. It is not just the power differential, and it is not just that he is a public employee. It could actually affect the safety of the jail. Unfortunately throughout history sexual favors in prisons have been a kind of currency, and they expose the correctional officer to blackmail and could even lead to dangerous activities such as smuggling contraband in or assisting with an escape. That is why this is a deal-breaker, no matter how consensual the actual act may have been.

jvlgirl- you hit it right on the head!!

The reality here is that one person made a choice to do something he knew was morally and ethically wrong. We may never know the "details" of what really happened. While I agree that people in certain professions should be held to a higher standard, remember this...we are all human. In the end the officer will have to pay for his mistake. He has already lost his job and his picture is in the paper, the public humiliation and prosecution has already begun. Keep in mind cameras can't be everywhere...when at work you shouldn't need a camera to make sure you maintain your morals and ethics. If you are a professional then you shouldn't put yourself in a "bad" position. There are still a lot of great people that work at the RC Jail.

SaraB- In theory what your saying is a good idea, but unfortunalely the reality is that majority of the inmates in the jail are male. It would be easy to have male officers work with the just the male inmates but female officers to work with just female inmates is impossible. And to comment on what has happened at the jail, it really makes me sick. There are officers that have worked in the jail for many years and no right from wrong. The problem with situations like this one is that not only does this make the department look bad, this makes ALL the correctional officers look bad. Even if an officer has a great track record and is very good at their job, they now are under the microscope by their administration. I'm sure now there will be inservices about what not to do at work, when many of the correctional officers already know what to do and what not to do. I don't feel bad for either party envolved here. The people I do feel sorry for are their families who had nothing to do with this.

While there may be more to this story then has been disclosed to date, I doubt he is totally "innocent". I certainly understand that the "victim" could have been the instigator. My issue here is that someone in the role of authority should be beyond reproach. Also, when on probation as a new hire, one must "keep their proverbial nose clean". An employer doesn't really need a reason to fire someone when on probation for employment. I think there was more to it than what has been divulged. Perhaps this was just the "last straw"... only HE really knows.

JMO

Here I go again! I know there is probably one bad egg in a hundred officers, but more like 99 bad eggs in a hundred offenders (inmates). What about other perspective employments? How many others can say the're batting .999 good eggs? And so many of them make more money and have a better feeling at the end of the day. Imagine constant negativity. Wonder if it was stress that led to this (and I agree)-unacceptable incident. If it even happened? Wonder if it was stress that helped cause that other officer's horrible accident some weeks back. Hmmm? Officers who do that line of work should keep them selves at a higher standard. There is no excuse for bad behavior (if it happened...), but they should also start demanding a better environment. POSITIVE BREEDS POSITIVE. But it is true...Officers need to be held higher in standards, as this separates them from the rung of society they deal with.

People sure want to demand more from people in certain professions, and maybe I agree sort of. But the level of pay and bennies those officers get, is greatly outweighed by the lack of positive work environment, constant years-long heavy overtime, consistently worsening pay increase to cost of living, horrible negative atmosphere (the inmates),lack of continuity, horrible outdated controls and equipment, rank and file differences....the list is very real and keeps on going. There are hard labor jobs that feel more rewarding than that job would feel. I am not justifying bad behavior, but rather enlightening a few of the opinionators. Some of you hit it right on the head...don't assume anything with this information yet.

A few things folks: cameras are not relevent. They can't be everywhere and the inmates and officers know where they are anyway. By the way, who ever said the cameras are working fine...you have no idea. They are junk.

hothead, who cares who "initiated" the contact. The guard is the one that is in a position of authority. Meaning this shouldnt happen whether he initiated it or not.

Hothead, the law (which Wisconsin didn't have until recently, an oversight) states that it does not apply if the inmate or supervised person is facing charges for the sexual contact. So if it's an inmate assault and that can be proven, the guard is off the hook per statute. Obviously in that case the guard would have to have self-reported using proper channels.

First, correctional officers busted watching porn via internet while ON THE CLOCK..& now this! LOL! :) This is kinda comical :)...in a way! Comical re: I THOUGHT the applicants went through professional testing, thorough background checks & MOST importantly, extensive interview processes by a "VERY important panel of UPSTANDING Law Enforcement & Officials"!! LMAO! :) With that said...this is VERY interesting, atleast or I suppose...!! ;)

The Gazette article said, ‘“To fire an employee on probation, the sheriff’s office must have a “certain amount of just cause,” the sheriff said. “We view the probationary period as part of the hiring process. “If, during the one-year period, we believe they can’t perform as correctional officers or we have concerns about their conduct or ability to perform to be a correctional officer at the sheriff’s office, we can release them, and they have no recourse,” “Spoden said.””
So, according to the Sheriff, there is a policy in place and the department followed it. Isn’t that how it should be? If you don’t like the policy, you have the power of THE VOTE. I don’t know all the facts but I DO know that all law enforcement people, and that includes Correctional Officers, are held to a higher standard due to the nature of their job. It is a question of integrity; it doesn’t matter who initiated it, if in fact it did happen. If there are other facts that need to come out, I trust that The Gazette will print them also.
I would like to add, thank you Janesville Gazette for allowing all of us to express our opinions. As much as some people may seem to bash you, I see it as a way to reaching out to your subscribers and on-line readers. Thanks.

It appeared that a pretty indepth investigation was done. He unfortunately let himself get into a situation which became unlawful and unethical. I'm sure he realizes this and has to suffer the consequences along with any others that this affects also. My understanding is that the camera's are working fine and when there is a problem it is usually user error.

mymaro,
To me, in a situation like this, it only means that the Officer was not able to prove that he did not do it. No other officer present to back him up, no working security cameras to back him up, only his word in an already presumed guilty situatiion.
Did anyone stop to think that this man was hired in September, there is a one year probationary period, and that year is almost up? After that one year period has expired, the Sheriff has to have a very good, provable allegation, before he could be fired. As long as the officer is on probation, all the Sheriff needs is an allegation that the officer cannot prove to be wrong.
This way, the Officer doesn't get that much deserved raise after putting up with Rock County's cons for a year. Instead, we can now hire another probationary officer for most of another year, and then get rid of him or her, too. Look at all the money we just saved for the county. Doesn't our budget look good now!

Why does everyone assume that this corrections officer initiated this "sexual contact"? What if the inmate was the one who initiated this and even if nothing sexual occurred she brags about this supposed contact to elevate her status with the other inmates. It has happened before. Better hear the rest of the story before jumping to conclusions

I also think that they shouldn't have male guards with female inmates and vise versa. Of course the inmates are going to back each other....THEY'RE INMATES! I feel that it's really unfair that an officer that is being accused cannot defend himself or give his side of the story against such allegations.

Maybe they shouldn't have male guards working with female inmates ... or female guards working with male inmates. I know homosexual, bisexual, or whateversexual contact can also happen, but why increase temptation. I am not making light of the incident, whatever it involves, but it could be something that is considered innocent outside of a jail setting. But I must be getting old because I don't even care to know any further details.

Since DA O'leary chose not to prosecute Chief Deputy Barrington, then camamander, while on Spoden's campaign committee and she attended a campaign event involving corrections officers, in full uniform, on pay status which is definately a policy and procedure violation, and elections ethics violation, due to conflict of interest then why would O'leary now prosecute this corrections officer??? I'll tell you why she was there in uniform. To intimidate all the sheriff department employees and flex her power during election time. O'leary chose to send the investigation to the Dane County DA because O'leary knew with his influence and they are all Democrats the violations would be swept under the rug. Dane County DA chose not to ever make a decision and let it die on the vine. In other words let it go unpunished and unaddressed. It will be a shame if this line level officer pays while the high powered and influencial go free. O'leary may chose to prosecute or not but he should be ashamed of himself if he does. This is not the firrst Corrections Officer to be terminated for this and one got his job back and then was targeted until he was fired again. There has been one sex scandle after another within the Sheriff Department. Either prosecute all the same as the laws are intended or do not prosecute as he has already set a precedent with Barrington and others. Lets face it, it makes a difference who you are in the judicial system.

Well, gee people lets all assume that sexual contact means sex!!!! Before making all the comments, maybe the definition of "Sexual Contact" needs to be clarified by the newspaper. Its supposed to print the facts instead of implying that more was going on than actually was between these two.

Better keep an eye on the parks

hvacman, did you miss the part where it says "We determined through statements given to us by our officer as well as other statements from people involved that there was a serious violation of sheriff’s office policy and procedure.”? it says OFFICER not just INMATES

So, here we have an inmate that is willing to steal to get what she wants(she is in for theft), then she is willing to do it again(she got probation, and now serving time because she broke probation)and now we don't believe she would be willing to LIE to get what she wants?
And if you know anything about criminals and inmates, you should know that they work together to get what they want, something beneficial to both.
Without working cameras, the officer has no back up. Many times there is one corrections officer watching a dozen or more inmates. Doesn't take long for a couple of seasond liars to cook up a good story.

"We determined through statements given to us by our officer as well as other statements from people involved that there was a serious violation of sheriff’s office policy and procedure.” I would think that by saying "our officer" that means Mr. Housinga, wouldnt you jalbet3688? so it would seem they did get his side.

Let us see if the DA will charge him with anything. He Let Mr. Halbach go without charging him with any felony charges. Don't get me wrong what the officer allegedly did is wrong and should lose his job over it.

the "site staff" is getting ridiculous. all i said was where else is he supposed to go since that certain other place is closed now.

It definitely was an ethical violation.

Not all people are ugly and ruthless Some are there for unpaid fines or minor traffic whatever some are there for more serious offenses but authority figures do have the upper hand and KNOW BETTER..... AND SOME ABUSE THAT POWER.........

NOT idle comments i did my time as to consequences involved in reporting ask anyone who sets time it is easier to mind ur own business. Some of the inmates egg it on and some guards feed it.Not only male guards. A officer nows better as to his/her job and when you are an inmate some dont think they have choices unlike the repeaters that know the game. Im not saying all guards nor all inmates but some cross the line. It has been a long time since I sat out a fine. But articles hitting paper shows things still go on.

I wonder why this corectional officer hasnt been arested for sexual assult.he ought to be in jail not walking free.

actually there is a reason jails should have "working" camera's (which they don't) then the officer would still have a job. As for the so called "proof," I think they will be sorry they fired this officer. I really hope he gets a good attorney so the "TRUTH" can come out but by then his name is smeared and his picture in the paper for all to see. You notice they arn't even trying to get his side.....

The case was investigated it's not like they just took the word of another person which happens to be an inmate. There had to be some solid proof that this actually happened or he wouldn't have gotten fired for it.

maybe everyone assuming he is guilty should get both sides of the story. there was no "proof" as to camera's or witnesses (other than another inmate) to cooberate this fictional story. I feel bad for this officer because of the word of inmate(s) he is losing his career. Besides the female inmate in question didn't get moved or her privledges taken away until after he was fired. Why was that....?
Seriously people, why are inmates, inmates? They are not trustworthy. Duh.....

The guy couldn't wait until her sentence was up? Come on I have heard of desperation but, this takes the cake.

One thing is for sure, she probably wasn't the kind of woman you want to take home to meet Mom.

To say that this conduct is illegal whether or not there was "consent" is to make a mockery out of consent. That is, she has no ability to consent given that she is under the power of the guards.

i wonder if he was one of the undercovers that went to screemin meemees. i wonder if they will will have to donate the bld to a not-for-profit org.

Marymac, if you have seen this behavior when you've sat out fines, why didn't you say anything about it or report it to someone? You shouldn't make accusations such as those if you can't prove your comment or did nothing about it at the time. You damage reputations by making idle comments.

YES send the victim as that is what she is due to her situation of incarceration to another facility away from her family I know she was in there for criminal behavior but this is not the first time of this type of conduct and most likely wont be the last. I ahve set out fines and seen this before .

The one way glass is the same glass used in beer goggles.

Wow she must have been pretty hot in her jail blues to lose your job over.