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Former Prison Guard Mark Johnson Not Guilty on All Counts

SCRANTON, Pa. — A jury has found former Lackawanna County corrections officer Mark Johnson not guilty on all counts Thursday afternoon. Johnson, 54, was a...

SCRANTON, Pa. -- A jury has found former Lackawanna County corrections officer Mark Johnson not guilty on all counts Thursday afternoon.

Johnson, 54, was arrested last year. He is accused of sexually harassing one female inmate and sexually assaulting another at the county prison in Scranton. He is one of seven former officers accused in 2018 of using their positions to dominate and harass female inmates.

Jurors deliberated for about an hour before returning the verdict.

Johnson's attorney says this case never should have been brought to trial due to a lack of evidence.

"Today's a day to take in the verdict and enjoy his newfound freedom and be with his family in the first time in two and a half years with peace of mind. I think Mr. Johnson will make good decisions and move forward with his life in a positive fashion," said his attorney Robert Levant.

Johnson is now the second person to be found not guilty following George McHale this past February.

Paul Voglino had his charges dropped in August.

Jeff Staff and George Efthimiou both pleaded no contest to lesser charges.

There are two more corrections officers left to stand trial.

 

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