Colin Akparanta, Sex Abuse of Ward, New York 2012-2018

A federal correctional officer has been arrested and charged with sexually abusing female inmates at a Manhattan detention facility, authorities announced Monday. Colin Akparanta, a 42-year-old correctional officer at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), was arrested and charged with four counts of sexual abuse of a ward, four counts of abusive sexual contact, and one count of deprivation of civil rights. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison for each of the four counts of sexual abuse of a ward, up to two years in prison for each of the four counts of abusive sexual contact, and up to 10 years in prison for the count of deprivation of civil rights.

The charges stem from Akparanta’s alleged abuse of at least four female inmates between 2012 and 2018. According to the indictment, Akparanta used his position to engage in sexual acts and contact with the inmates, who were under his custody, supervision, and disciplinary authority. He allegedly digitally penetrated the victims’ vaginas and touched their breasts, buttocks, and/or genitalia, and also had some of the victims touch his penis over his pants.

Akparanta, who has been employed as a correctional officer at the MCC since 2004, also allegedly smuggled contraband, including personal hygiene items, makeup, and food, into the facility for some of the victims. He conditioned his provision of contraband on the inmates’ continued performance of sexual acts with him, and asked the victims for their contact information to reach them after their release.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman praised the investigative work of the DOJ Office of the Inspector General and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption, Violent and Organized Crime, and Civil Rights Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Pomerantz, Sarah Krissoff, and Rachael Doud are in charge of the prosecution.

Akparanta’s case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield. He was presented and arraigned in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman on Monday. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison for each count of sexual abuse of a ward, up to two years in prison for each count of abusive sexual contact, and up to 10 years in prison for the count of deprivation of civil rights.

Anyone with information concerning Akparanta or similar conduct is encouraged to contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (866) 874-8900. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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